2020-03-17

Weekly Date with SIFF | Chinese-Japanese Film Festival 2020 Kicks Off

Last night, the Japanese Film Festival, as part of the Chinese-Japanese Film Festival 2020, officially opened at Shanghai Grand Theatre. Directed by Shinjo TAKEHIKO, and starring Ryota KATAYOSE and Kanna HASHIMOTO, COME KISS ME AT 0:00 AM is selected as the opening film of the Festival. After its international premiere, the movie also had a post-screening meeting at the theatre. With over a thousand viewers coming to show their support, this marks a great start of the last film panorama in Shanghai this year.

COME KISS ME AT 0:00 AM Director Shinjo TAKEHIKO at Japanese Film Festival

Since 2017, the Japanese Film Festival, as part of the Chinese-Japanese Film Festival held every winter, has been well received among local movie lovers and become a grand cultural event in Shanghai. This year the Shanghai Stop features 8 films specially selected by SIFF, all of which are high quality works presenting the new look of Japanese cinema. Diversified in genres and themes, these movies, either newly released or having already gained reputation, have attracted much attention from fans. Tickets were mostly sold out on the first day of ticketing.

The come-of-age and romance film COME KISS ME AT 0:00 AM, was the first one to be screened on the evening of December 20. The intimate and lovely interaction between the characters made the viewers burst into laughter from time to time during the watching. After screening, director Shinjo TAKEHIKO and producer Yuka TAKAGI came to the front of the screen and shared the behind-the-scenes stories with Chinese audiences.

COME KISS ME AT 0:00 AM Director Shinjo TAKEHIKO (right) and Producer Yuka TAKAGI Signing Posters

Seeing the crowded theater and the audience reluctant to leave after the screening, Shinjo TAKEHIKO was quite moved. He first extended his thanks to the fans for their support and love for COME KISS ME AT 0:00 AM. Some viewers asked the director when his happiest moment was in the process of filming. He answered with a smile: "Of course it’s when shooting romance scenes. Sometimes when I was just about to say cut, I found actors and actresses were so involved in the film, I would let them continue. So I often make many footages for the same scene.”

Producer Yuka TAKAGI also revealed that she is now approaching Ryota KATAYOSE for a new film: "If there is good news, I will let everyone know as soon as possible." The meeting then ended with applause and warmth.

COME KISS ME AT 0:00 AM Director Shinjo TAKEHIKO (right) and Producer Yuka TAKAGI at Post-screening Meeting

Directed by Hideyuki HIRAYAMA, and starring Gô AYANO, Nana KOMATSU and Tsurubei SHOFUKUTEI, FAMILY OF STRANGERS was screened at the Shanghai Grand Theatre this afternoon. The film puts marginalized groups in Japanese society under spotlight . Through their life stories, the director intends to present a story mixed with pains and healing in Japanese style. While watching the movie, the audience could not help gradually immersing themselves in the fate of the characters. After screening and the lights were turned on, the applause lasted for a long time.

Director of FAMILY OF STRANGERS, Hideyuki HIRAYAMA, with the Audience

At the post-screening meeting, director Hideyuki HIRAYAMA and producer Hidetomo SUGAYA shared the stories taking place during the creation of the film. Speaking of the original intention to produce the film, Hideyuki HIRAYAMA told the audience: "The film focuses on a group of patients with mental diseases. Although they are a vulnerable group in the Japanese society and are being locked in wards, they are somehow similar to the public. Through this movie, I want to pass on their joy, sorrow, growth and relief to the audience. The story may be sad, but what I hope is that you can be warmed and encouraged after watching it.” Many viewers raised their questions afterwards, including a 66-year-old Shanghai lady. The communication was smooth and delightful.

FAMILY OF STRANGERS Director Hideyuki HIRAYAMA (right) and Producer Hidetomo SUGAYA at Japanese Film Festival

From December 20 to December 29, eight selected Japanese films – TALKING THE PICTURES, AT THE END OF THE MATINEE, THE 47 RŌNIN IN DEBT, FAMILY OF STRANGERS, THEY SAY NOTHING STAYS THE SAME, COME KISS ME AT 0:00 AM, HIT ME ANYONE ONE MORE TIME and GOODBYE, are scheduled for screening in 16 sessions at Shanghai Grand Theatre. Shanghai is now taking the lead to become a metropolis where film festivals take place every week. As the last film festival of the year, the Japanese Film Festival will surely bring a visual feast to Shanghai audiences, as well as an opportunity to gain insights into the new trends in the Japanese film market.