Skopje, 26 October 2023 (MIA) - The 16th Japanese Film Week will be held at the Cinematheque in Skopje November 3-8. The annual programme covers topics about the everyday challenges various demographic groups in Japan face.

Bitola will host Japanese Film Week from November 9-10, and all screenings will be free.

Cinematheque director Vladimir Angelov told Thursday's press-conference that Kôsai Sekine's "Love at Least" will open the event. A screening will also be held in Bitola on November 9.

"Love at Least", Angelov said, deals with a social issue called hikikomori - an extreme form of social phobia affecting millions of young Japanese people.

"In our country and across the world, many young people face difficulties at work, in their careers, love life, and often deal with depression, anxiety and other mental issues. Old people everywhere have health issues, struggle with forgetfulness and need support from their families. These topics are covered by the first two films in this year's programme," Angelov added.

Ryôta Nakano's "A Long Goodbye" is the second film to be screened at the Cinematheque in Skopje, and also in Bitola on November 10.

"The story revolves around a retired professor diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease whose family has to make amends with the new reality and face upcoming changes, in Japan where the aging population has been a long-standing issue," Angelov said.

Kotaro Wajima's "Lone Ume tree" will be screened on Monday, November 6. The film deals with a sore topic for all parents with autistic children, i.e. their integration in society and what can parents do to protect them from the ruthless environment.

Yuki Tanada's film "Cinematic Liars of Asahi-za" will be screened on Tuesday, November 7.

"Yuki Tanada is one of the most productive and successful film directors in Japan. This film also relates to the Cinematheque. It tells the story of one of the oldest art house cinemas in Japan and its fight for survival in the midst of the flood of commercial films," Angelov pointed out.

Keiko Tsuruoka's "Makuko" will close the Japanese Film Week at the Cinematheque on November 8. 

"This film is an unusual combination of a story about growing up, body changes and the perception of the world, with a science fiction twist. From what I know about the films, which I will be seeing for the first time at the festival as well, this film is my favorite. It has received great reviews and I recommend it. The creativity expressed in this film adds another dimension to what every adult has experienced and helps us remember what a metamorphosis human maturity is," said Angelov.

Accvording to him, the festival helps people notice common human dramas that can be found in every culture, and brings Japan closer to the ordinary citizens of North Macedonia. 

Japanese Ambassador Otsuka Kazuya noted that next year marks the 30th anniversary of the diplomatic ties between Japan and North Macedonia, announcing that many cultural events will be organized for the celebration.

"In addition to the distribution of Japanese films, the Japan Foundation is working to implement comprehensive international cultural exchange programs around the world. We invite everyone interested in Japanese culture and everyone who wants to be part of the joint celebration, to consider the possibility of applying to the open call for financial support through the Japan Foundation," Kazuya said.

The Japanese Film Week is supported by the Japan Foundation, the Cinematheque, Bitola Culture Center and the Japanese Embassy. ssh/nn/

Photo: MIA