Film enthusiasts are rejoicing as the Japanese Film Festival Online 2024 opens today, offering a rare opportunity to enjoy a carefully curated selection of Japan’s finest films and TV dramas, entirely for free. 

The month-long virtual festival allows viewers from 27 countries to stream critically acclaimed movies and series without spending a cent.

“One of the major highlights of the festival is the world premiere of the 4K digitally remastered version of ‘Jungle Emperor Leo’, also known as ‘Kimba the White Lion’," said So Chandara, managing director of KUDU Studios, who are helping to promote the festival. 

He explained that this classic anime, based on Osamu Tezuka's iconic manga, promises to be a nostalgic yet fresh experience for both long-time fans and new viewers.

The festival’s lineup features a variety of genres and themes, catering to a wide audience. Notable titles include "We Made a Beautiful Bouquet”, which gained immense popularity among Gen Z upon its release in 2021, and "Baby Assassins”, a film that created a buzz on Japanese social media. 

Additionally, "School Meals Time Graduation" and "The Zen Diary" highlight Japan's culinary culture, adding a delectable flavour to the festival.

For the first time, the Japanese Film Festival Online will also feature TV series. 

Chandara, an independent film producer who is currently participating in a production workshop at the Busan International Film Business Academy, added that “the series ‘Downtown Rocket’ and ‘Rikuoh’, both critically acclaimed for their inspiring stories about perseverance and ambition, will be available for streaming”.

Both series resonated deeply with Japanese audiences and are expected to attract international viewers as well.

The festival is accessible via JFF+, the dedicated streaming platform of the Japan Foundation, and is free for viewers outside Japan with member registration. It aims to bridge cultural gaps and share Japanese stories with a global audience.

Konomi Masafumi, JFF producer, emphasised the importance of this festival in fostering international cultural exchange. 

“In the midst of an evolving social situation in post-pandemic Japan, and following the success of films like 'Godzilla Minus One' and 'The Boy and the Heron,' we have carefully selected titles that will resonate with audiences worldwide,” he explained.

Promotional videos and directors' messages are available on JFF+'s YouTube channel, providing viewers with deeper insights into the films and series featured.

The festival will be divided into two sessions. The first session, from June 5 to June 19, will feature 23 films, including four short films from the Japan Horror Film Competition. 

The second session, from June 19 to July 3, will showcase the two TV drama series. The films and series span various genres, from romance and comedy to drama and horror, ensuring there is something for everyone.

The Japan Foundation – alongside Japanese embassies, consulates and the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association – has coordinated this event to bring the best of Japanese cinema to the world. 

Detailed information about the event, including the full lineup and how to register, can be found on the festival’s official website: https://jff.jpf.go.jp/watch/jffonline2024/.  

Available exclusively to viewers outside Japan, the festival will available to film buffs in 27 locations: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Cambodia, Egypt, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Laos, China, Malaysia, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, the UK, the US and Vietnam. 

Films and series will be accessible in 15 subtitle languages: Arabic, Burmese, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), English, French, German, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Malay, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Thai, and Vietnamese.