The Japan Foundation Touring Film Festival 2024

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Festival returns, running around the country from February 2 to March 31­.

The JFTFF has a habit of passing under a few radars, largely due to its lack of big opening nights and gala events. It’s a shrewd move that allows the festival to spend all of its energy, and money, on a tonne of films, and this year has the most I’ve seen yet.

With 24 films to see, there’s a lot to talk about, and I’ll only be looking at ten – but throw in a few extra suggestions along the way. Here are the ten films to check out.

1. A Man
   A social drama with a mystery angle, Rie is a divorcee whose new marriage to Daisuke seems perfectly happy – until her new husband passes away. The mystery reveals itself when Rie is told that Daisuke may not be the man she thought he was. Screening February 2^nd.
   If you like the sound of that, Undercurrent (February 3) tells the story of a woman, running a bath house by herself after her husband goes missing. As she tries to move on, developments regarding the disappearance emerge.
2. Egoist
   Based on the autobiographicalnovel of the same name, Egoist tells the story of a young gay fashion editor, raised in a strict village, who meets and finds himself drawn to, a personal trainer. Shot in a documentary style to evoke conflict and warmth between characters, this film oozes realism, and screens February 8^th and 11^th.
3. Yoko
   Yoko is a film that immediately makes me think of movies like Adrift in Tokyo. It tells the story of a woman in her 40s who has been restricted by her father her whole life. When he passes away, she finds herself needing to hitchhike to his funeral – encountering many interesting people along the way. Screens February 11^th.
4. The Snow Flurry
   Every festival needs its classic melodrama oldie and The Snow Flurry fits the bill perfectly. A woman who has survived a double suicide attempt with her lover gives birth to his child, and raises him while withstanding the cold treatment of her lover’s family. Told in flashback, the story mainly deals with this son and his lover, and the circumstances that led to their relationship. Screens February 4^th and 10^th.
5. Lonely Castle in the Mirror
   Based on the novel by Mizuki Tsujimura, Lonely Castle in the Mirror is a classic fantasy story that sees seven teens pulled into a fantasy world through mirrors in their room. While I’m not personally a huge fan of Studio A1’s work (most of the time), this wouldn’t be the first time they’ve pleasantly surprised me. Screens February 3^rd and 4^th.
6. From the End of the World
   If sci-fi is more your speed, From the End of the World sees sad teen Hana approached by a special agent, who tells her she is key to saving the world. Soon after, she begins to dream of a sengoku-era woman who tells Hana her dreams can rewrite history. Both intimate and epic, this will make a nice change of pace from all the dramas. Screens February 3^rd and 8^th.
7. Hit Me Anyone One More Time
   If you like political satires, this is the film to see this year. It deals with a prime minister, hated by his people, who is hit in the head with a rock. He awakens in hospital with no memory, but with a lot of stuff still to deal with. Screens February 9^th, 10^th and 20^th.
   For more silliness, Mondays See You This Week (February 3^rd and 9^th) deals with office situations with a bit of a time loop twist.
8. Voices in the Wind
   Eight years after the devastating tsunami, the wounds it left in Japan have still not healed. In her touching search for answers, Haru sets out on a long, eventful journey to her home town, where she lost her family in the flood. Screens February 4^th.
9. Fish Tale
   In the latest film by Japanese quirk auteur Shuichi Okita, actress Non breaks gender roles by playing a male character. Mibou is an oddball obsessed with fish, whose fascination will eventually make him into the celebrated educator Sakana-kun on whose autobiography the movie is based. Screens February 10^th.
10. Twilight Cinema Blues
    Another potentially quirky drama comes in the form of this movie, which sees penniless man Kondo take a job at a small cinema on the verge of shutting down, after an encounter with a homeless movie enthusiast. Screens February 2^nd and 3^rd.
    if you like quirkiness, Hoarder on the Border (February 8^th and 10^th) is an anthology story of sorts that sees failed pianist Ritsuki take a job at a cleaning company, and getting to know the hoarders whose houses he attends to.

Tickets are available here.