The Japan Foundation in Manila celebrates Philippine-Japan Friendship Month with a film festival, “Eigasai ’09,” that aims to enhance Filipinos’ understanding and appreciation of Japanese arts and culture.

Kicking off at the Shang Cineplex Cinema 3 on July 2, 2009, the festival features one anime and seven contemporary films in 35mm format. An invitational screening of Always–Sunset on Third Street (Always San-chome no yuhi, 2005) by director Yamazaki Takashi will be held on July 2, 2009, Thursday, 7 p.m. at the Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3, Edsa, Mandaluyong City.

Other featured film are Memories of Matsuko (Kiraware Matsuko no issho, 2006) directed by Nakashima Tetsuya, Kamome Diner (Kamome shokudo, 2006) directed by Ogigami Naoko, Memories of Tomorrow (Ashita no kioku, 2006) directed by Tsutsumi Yukihiko, The Milkwoman (Itsuka dokusho suru hi, 2005) directed by Ogata Akira, Turn Over–An Angel Is Coming on a Bicycle (Futari biyori, 2004) directed by Nomura Keiichi, Tony Takitani (Toni Takitani, 2004) directed by Ichikawa Jun, and the sole anime film Mind Game (Mind Game, 2004) directed by Masaaki Yuasa.

All films will be shown with English subtitles. Admission is free. Screening venues are at the Shangri-La Plaza Cinema 3 (July 2 to 12) and the UP Film Institute (August 14 to 20). “Eigasai ’09” will also have provincial screenings that will commence in Gaisano South City Mall, Davao (July 18 and 19); Ayala Center, Cebu (July 28 to Aug 2), and Baguio Center Mall, Baguio (August 7 to 11).

See screening schedule