Like Japanese fashion and pop culture, Japanese film remains in the international vanguard, uniquely blending traditional genres and classical forms with cutting-edge technology and dazzling imagery. This year’s Japanese Currents series highlights noteworthy Nipponese films which explore moods and issues central to contemporary Japanese society—comedies depicting the generation gap and loneliness in the modern world; narrative dramas sketching a legacy of yakuza violence and disillusionment with society’s hypocrisies; and a timely documentary chronicling the lives of Fukushima’s nuclear refugees. Collectively, the series offers a fresh take on Japanese culture and a showcase of the wealth of creative invention at work in Japan today.

Special thanks to the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, with additional support from Sapporo USA, the Japan America Society of Oregon, and the Consulate General of Japan in Portland.

Foreign film distribution in the United States is a romantic and difficult business proposition. Few companies last for long before dissolution or sale of their libraries, so making it for a decade is a remarkable milestone. New York City-based Film Movement is among the shining stars of independent film distribution, releasing more than 125 films from dozens of countries over the last ten years. We salute Film Movement with a ten-film selection from among their award-winning titles—all of them providing memorable viewing for those who appreciate thoughtful cinema without borders.

All programs are double features at regular price.