Eiga Sai 2018: 15 films, 100 screenings, 5 major cities

On it's 21st year, Eiga Sai continues with a strong showing of the best of Japanese cinema. From the classic "Seven Samurai" to the modern masterpiece "Survival Family", cinephiles should once again clear their schedule to make room for this consistently exciting film festival. 

This year, the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines and the Japan Foundation Manila in partnership with various organizations is bring 15 films to five major cities across the country. 

Admission is free, except at Greenbelt 1 Cinema 2, which will be P100 per screening.

Eiga Sai 2018 runs from July 4 to August 26 at the following venues, with links to the schedule via the official Facebook page:

• July 4 to 8: Greenbelt 1 Cinema 2, Makati City
• July 4 to 6 : Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City
• August 4 and 17: CCP Complex, Pasay City
• August 5: Cinematheque Center Manila
• August 15 to 18: UP Film Center – Cine Adarna, UP Diliman, Quezon City
• July 12 to 15: SM City Davao Cinema, Davao City
• July 27 to 29: SM City Naga Cinema, Naga City
• August 9 to 12: SM City Bacolod Cinema, Bacolod City
• August 23 to 26: Ayala Center Cebu Cinema, Cebu City

Films and lectures

In the lineup is "Chihayafuru" parts 1 to 3, an adaptation Yuki Suetsugu's manga of the same name that follows the story of schoolgirl Ayase Chihaya and her quest to be the best karuta player in the world. 

Director Koizumi Nori will be giving a talk on the film on July 6 at the Ateneo screening and on July 7 at the Greenbelt 1 screening.

Also giving a talk is director Hikaru Toda for her documentary "Of Love and Law", which follows lovers Fumi and Kazu. The pair run the first law firm in Japan set up by an openly gay couple and the film follows their struggle for legal recognition and protection.

Toda will be holding a talk at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) on August 4 and the Cinematheque Center Manila on August 5.

Writer Hirata Oriza will give the final talk on August 17 at the CCP for "When the Curtain Rises", a slice-of-life movie featuring the members of idol group Momoiro Clover Z. 

Completing the lineup is the Japanese adaptation of the Korean thriller "Memoirs of a Murderer", "Daytime Shooting Star", "Tori Girl", "Honnouji Hotel", "ReLIFE", "Let's Go, JETS! from Small Town Girls to US Champions?!", "Rudolf the Black Cat", and "Tora-san of Goto."

Remember to make room for "Survival Family" by Shinobu Yaguchi of "Swing Girls", "Water Boys", and "Wood Job!" fame.

A special note for hardcore Akira Kurosawa fans: the film will be screened in 35mm. 

Schedules are subject to change and viewers are advised to check the official Japan Foundation Manila page for updates. — Aya Tantiangco, GMA News