The Japan Society has unveiled the complete roster for the 18th installment of the Japan Cuts: New Japanese Film Festival, which will take place at their main office in New York City.
Over the next eleven days, the revamped festival, generously supported by our title sponsor GU, promises to exhibit a diverse lineup of 30 films. Among these, there will be two groundbreaking world premieres, as well as nine North American debuts and ten New York premiers.
The festival we’re hosting for the next eleven days has been sponsored by GU, and we plan to screen 30 movies during this time. Two of these will be world premieres, while there will also be nine North American first-time viewings and ten New York debuts.
Headlining the 2025 lineup, esteemed filmmaker Kurosawa Kiyoshi is set to receive the Cut Above Award for exceptional filmmaking accomplishments. Recognized as one of Japan’s most impactful contemporary directors, Kurosawa has created timeless masterpieces such as “Tokyo Sonata,” “Cure” and “Pulse.” The festival will showcase screenings of his upcoming projects — the psychological thriller “Cloud” and a reinterpretation titled “Serpent’s Path,” which is based on his 1998 original.
As a devoted fan, I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be part of the grand opening at the festival, where “Ravens,” penned and helmed by Mark Gill, will have its New York debut. This captivating biopic delves into the tumultuous life story of Masahisa Fukase, a postwar photographer known for his radical work. Tadanobu Asano brings this iconic figure to life on the silver screen.
This year, I’m honored to be part of a festival that has some exciting additions to its lineup. Among them is the acclaimed actress Yuumi Kawai, who won the Best Actress award at the Japan Academy Film Prize for her role in “A Girl Named Ann.” She will be gracing us with her presence at both the North American premiere of this film and the U.S. Premiere of “She Taught Me Serendipity,” a film by Akiko Ohku, a favorite at Japan Cuts.
Moreover, we’ll get to see the New York Premiere of “Teki Cometh,” which was a big winner at last year’s Tokyo International Film Festival, taking home awards for Best Film, Director, and Actor. This promises to be an unforgettable festival!
Peter Tatara, head of film at Japan Society, expressed great honor in showcasing Japanese movies right here in New York City. This year’s festival, Japan Cuts, offers a glimpse into the current Japanese film industry, highlighting both established award-winning films and emerging talents.
Notable features encompass popular cultural sensations like “A Samurai in Time,” which clinched the best film award at the Japan Academy Film Prize; “Blazing Fists” from acclaimed director Miike Takashi; “The Gesuidouz” by punk filmmaker Kenichi Ugana; and “The Real You” adapted from a novel by Keiichiro Hirano. The festival will also unveil the global debut of “Kowloon Generic Romance,” based on a cherished manga by Jun Mayuzuki, and “My Sunshine,” a movie centering around an adolescent ice-dancing pair.
The lineup consists of four main categories: Feature Slate, Upcoming Talents, Timeless Classics, and Short Movies. In the Upcoming Talents category, budding directors are vying for the Obayashi Prize, with a selection of films such as “Michiyuki – Voices of Time,” “See You Tomorrow,” “Promised Land,” and “So Beautiful, Wonderful and Lovely.
The Classics section boasts an exclusive 35mm showing of Kurosawa Kiyoshi’s “License to Live” and the debut of a fresh 4K restoration for Shunji Iwai’s “Love Letter”, marking its 30th anniversary. Additionally, it presents the North American debut of the original 4K restoration of “Serpent’s Path”.
Other titles include “Spectacle from Studio Trigger titled ‘Gridman Universe’,” “Comedy series ‘Kaiju Guy!’ featuring Japanese comedian Gumpy,” “Historical drama ‘Yasuko, Echoes of the Past’,” and “Documentaries ‘Pioneers of Japanese Avant-Garde’ and ‘Reflections on Our Choices’.
The event concludes with the screening of “The Spirit of Japan,” a documentary by Joseph Overbey on traditional shochu makers, and a subsequent reception showcasing shochu produced by Yamatozakura Distillery.
Japan Cuts: Festival of New Japanese Film runs July 10-20.
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2025-06-03 17:17