2023 Step into Japan (Watch 12 Japanese Films, Recommended by Mini-Theaters Across Japan) NEW

Step into Japan - Watch 12 Japanese Films, Recommended by Mini-Theaters Across Japan
From August till October 2023, the Japan Foundation (JF) will hold a special feature "JFF+ INDEPENDENT CINEMA 2023" which will shine a spotlight on the "mini-theaters" that support the diversity of Japanese film culture and adding to the vibrancy of local communities.

Following the highly successful launch of "JFF+ INDEPENDENT CINEMA" in 2022, which showcased 12 Japanese films and 6 mini-theaters for overseas viewers and received a great response. We are happy to announce we will distribute 12 Japanese movies recommended by mini-theaters around Japan and filmmakers around the world, additionally we will provide complementary access to videos that introduce 10 mini-theaters. To enhance your experience, we have also prepared a variety of content on the website that will allow you to further experience the charm of the mini theater.

Mini theaters play a pivotal role in supporting Japanese film culture. In 2022, there were over 590 movie theaters, with an impressive 136 of them being mini theaters, accounting for about 20% of all movie theaters. In addition, of the 538 movies released in theaters in the same year, a staggering 60% of those were-small scale productions released in 49 or fewer theaters, majority of these films found themselves being exclusively shown in mini-theaters*.

Mini theaters play a crucial role in supporting Japanese film culture. In addition to being a venue for movie screenings, they also contribute to the production of movie sets in their respective local areas. Moreover, many mini have as cafes as well as other additional amenities, creating a hub that attracts a diverse range of people. Serving as a platform that foster connections and collaborations within the community, by embracing multifaceted roles, mini theaters are a reflection of the local communities they are a part of.

We hope that through this project, you will be able to experience the many charming aspects of the mini theater, which is an important stage for Japanese film.

Dates
August till October 2023

Film Lineup
12 Japanese films, recommended by mini-theaters across Japan and filmmakers from around the globe, will be made available for free distribution worldwide, except in Japan (certain films may not be available for distribution in specific regions). Each of these films comes with 6 types of subtitles.

12 films on the JFF+ INDEPENDENT CINEMA 2023

• Techno Brothers (2023): A road movie unfolds as mysterious musicians take center stage.
• Hey! Our dear Don-chan (2022): A documentary about a beloved local idol group in Iwate Prefecture.
• Follow the Light (2021): A human drama about young people coming of age in a desolate hometown.
• LONELY GLORY (2022): A family drama about the essence of family and local shops.
• A Muse Never Drowns (2022): A coming-of-age film about a young woman who discovers her own path through scrap-and-build.
• And Your Bird Can Sing (2018): A youth drama that depicts the city of Hakodate and the lives of its young residents.
• BON-UTA, A Song from Home (2019): A documentary about a young man who returns to his hometown to revive the traditional Bon dance.
• Bachiranun (2021): A drama about a young woman who falls in love with a Thai migrant worker.
• An Artisan's Legacy, Tsunekazu Nishioka (2012): A documentary about a traditional Japanese craftsman who passes on his skills to the next generation.
• A Girl in My Room (2022): A drama about a young woman who takes in a homeless girl.
• TENZO (2019): A drama about a young monk who struggles to find his place in the Buddhist world.
• HANAGATAMI (2017): A historical drama about a love triangle between a samurai, his wife, and her lover.

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What is a Mini-Theater?
In Japan, independent theaters that are not part of large multiplexes are called "mini-theaters," and there are more than 100 of them throughout Japan. Each mini-theater offers a unique lineup of screenings with a focus on artistic films and documentaries, reflecting their local culture. They played an important role in nurturing the diversity of Japanese cinema culture up to the present.