Japan's brilliant film culture comes to life on screen in San Francisco during this annual event from August 7 to 16. The 2015 Japantown Film Festival will present over two-dozen movies from samurai and anime films to drama and documentaries. As the only annual film festival in the Bay Area dedicated to Japanese cinema, this ten-day program presents new and classic movies that you won't want to miss. With special guest appearances, including some of Japan's most famous actors and directors, and premier screenings, there's something new and exciting every night of the festival.
It all kicks off on August 7th at the historic Castro Theatre for two special programs featuring film, spectacular animation and world-renowned DJs. Presented by J-Pop Summit, the evening offers a screening of the popular cult film Electric Dragon 80000V with a Q & A to follow with actor Tadanobu Asano. The night concludes with legendary techno DJ Ken Ishii spinning beats to eye-popping visuals created by Japan's premier anime director. This special event promises to be an unforgettable event!
All other screenings take place at the New People Cinema, a beautiful 143-seat movie theater in the heart of Japantown. Get your tickets now to see the acclaimed documentary on Hayao Miyazaki, the Blind Swordsman starring the legendary "Beat" Takeshi and a series of short films focusing on contemporary life in Tokyo. As one of the premier film events in San Francisco this summer, book your reservations at Hotel Nikko so you can be close to all of the cinematic fun in Japantown this August.