The Weekend Japanese Film Shows

16 – 18 Mar 2012
Room 4, National Cinema Centre

From Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam:
On the occasion of one year after the 3.11 Tohoku Earthquake in Japan, the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam offers special weekend screenings of Japanese films, which are all related to the natural disasters occurred in Japan, from Friday 16 – Sunday 18 March 2012 at National Cinema Center in Hanoi.

People in Japan have long history to live and cope with various kinds of natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunami, volcanoes and typhoons. Tackling with these disasters itself is quite hard and tough, and it often takes long time to conquer and recover from these disasters once happened. These disasters, however, also inspire a certain number of film directors in Japan to make a film related to a disaster, or physically affect the film shooting itself. The selected 4 films are all such good examples.

“Quartet” (2012) is made in Urayasu City, where affected by severe soil liquefactions after the earthquake. The film crew could complete the film with the supports from united volunteers. When we know the background of the film, the message of the film (the importance of uniting family) shines brighter and reaches us more deeply.

“Haru’s Journey” (2010) is made in Miyagi Prefecture directly affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Although the film was made before the 3.11 disaster, the problems of the elderly depicted in the film give us hints to think over the elderly in the affected area.

“Fukushima Hula Girls” (2011) is a documentary film following the struggling lives and activities of “hula girls” in Spa Resort Hawaiians where hit by four disasters; earthquake, tsunami, nuclear accident and harmful rumors. Their efforts to rebuild the paradise and to bring back smiles to Japan are heartwarming.

“WANKO” (2011), on the other hand, depicts a life of a family and a dog who are living in Miyakejima, a small island where an active volcano exists. Based on a true story, this film induces the audience to burst into tears for the family and the dog.

We hope that the audience will keep the memory of the Tohoku earthquake and think over what is important in our life through these four films.

See Screening schedule

Languages: All films will be screened with Vietnamese and English sub-titles.

Free admission. Tickets are available at the Japan Foundation (27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi) from 10am on Friday 9 March.

For more information please contact at:

Ms. Huong (091-251-8771) / Mr. Yoshioka (0123-384-4138)
The Japan Foundation Center for Cutural Exchange in Vietnnam
27 Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi      TEL: 04-3944-7419 www.jpf.org.vn