The Japanese Film Festival is held annually, in order to encourage the growth of Japanese culture and understanding in New Zealand. Each year, we try to give the people of New Zealand some insight into the culture, customs, and traditions of Japan, alongside what is popular with Japan’s society today, through film. All films will be in Japanese with English subtitles. Flyer (Other schedules can be found at the Christchurch page)

New Plymouth - No booking required.

Wellington - Tickets ($1.50 booking fee per ticket) available at the Roxy Cinema website from 17 October



2 Nov 12:30pm - New Plymouth

8 Nov 6:30pm - Wellington Born Bone Born

洗骨 Director:Toshiyuki Teruya Year:2018 Rating:PG Length:111min Genre:Drama Official Site: https://senkotsu-movie.com (In Japanese) Film Festival, Award:

2018 Moscow International Film Festival

2018 Shanghai International Film Festival

2018 JAPAN CUTS, Audience Award

2018 Hawaii International Film Festival

Story

Senkotsu (lit. “Bone-washing”), is a tradition that is almost extinct. The eldest son of the Shinjo family, Tsuyoshi, returns to his hometown to wash the bones of his mother. His father’s life is in a mess due to his inability to accept his wife's death. Also returning home is eldest daughter Yuko, also facing various hardships in life herself. Will the senkotsu ceremony help the family members unite?

2 Nov 3:00pm - New Plymouth

9 Nov 12:00pm - Wellington Room Laundering

ルームロンダリング Director:Kenji Katagiri Year:2018 Rating:M Length:109min Genre: Comedy, Drama

Official Site: http://roomlaundering.com (In Japanese) Story

Miko is a “room launderer”, someone paid to live in a rental unit where the previous tenant has died of unnatural causes until the manager is no longer legally required to inform future tenants of the death. It’s the perfect job for antisocial Miko. Her problem however is that she can see and talk to the dead. Although Miko has no idea why she has this ability, nor any inclination to use it, spirits come to rely on her.