The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) is back in Malaysia for its 2024 edition, running from 12th September to 20th October. Celebrating its 20th anniversary, this year’s JFF promises an exciting lineup of more than 13 films, spanning a range of genres including drama, sci-fi, romance, thriller, and animation. This long-awaited event will take place at selected Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) across Malaysia, bringing the best of Japanese cinema to Malaysian audiences.
20 Years of Showcasing Japanese Cinema!
Since its inception, the JFF has been a cornerstone in the Malaysian film scene, providing a unique platform for audiences to experience the depth and diversity of Japanese filmmaking. Over the past two decades, the festival has screened 215 films and hosted 127 directors, attracting over 200,000 attendees. Last year alone saw 9,498 attendees, marking a significant recovery after the challenges posed by the pandemic. As the festival celebrates its 20th milestone, this year’s edition is poised to be bigger and better than ever.
"GODZILLA MINUS ONE" Takes the Spotlight!
One of the major highlights of JFF 2024 is the opening film, GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023), directed by Yamazaki Takashi. This film, which won the Best Visual Effects at the 96th Academy Awards, will make its Malaysian premiere at the festival. As a fresh entry in the iconic Godzilla franchise, GODZILLA MINUS ONE offers a thrilling cinematic experience, combining cutting-edge visual effects with a compelling narrative. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of Godzilla, JFF will also host a Godzilla Marathon, featuring both GODZILLA MINUS ONE (2023) and the original Godzilla (1954) by Honda Ishiro on 14th and 21st September in Klang Valley and Penang.
Must-See Anime Films at JFF 2024!
For anime enthusiasts, JFF 2024 has an impressive lineup, including the legendary 1988 film AKIRA, directed by Otomo Katsuhiro, and SAND LAND (2023), based on the work of the late Toriyama Akira, the mastermind behind Dragon Ball. Both films showcase the immense talent and influence of Japanese animators, making them must-see features for anyone interested in anime history and its cultural significance.
Fresh Voices and New Releases!
In addition to showcasing iconic titles, JFF 2024 will also feature new releases that highlight contemporary Japanese life and storytelling. Films like MATCHED (2024), All the Long Nights (2024) by Miyake Sho, and A Samurai in Time (2024), which was just released in Japan in August, offer a glimpse into modern Japanese cinema. These films are set to captivate audiences with their diverse themes and unique perspectives, further cementing Japan’s influence on the global film industry.
Filmmaking Workshop for Youths!
As part of the 20th-anniversary celebrations, The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur (JFKL), is organizing a 5-day filmmaking workshop for Malaysian and Japanese youths. Led by acclaimed director Lim Kah Wai, this workshop will provide participants with hands-on experience in ideation, production, and editing. The completed short films will be showcased on the JFKL YouTube channel, offering a platform for emerging filmmakers to share their stories with a broader audience.
Exclusive Goodies and Affordable Tickets!
Festival-goers will have the chance to collect stamps throughout the festival to redeem exclusive goodies and prizes, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Tickets for JFF 2024 are affordably priced at RM 10.00, with the exception of A Samurai in Time, which will be sold at prevailing ticket prices. For those looking to experience GODZILLA MINUS ONE in a more immersive setting, there will also be a special IMAX screening, with tickets priced at RM 50.00.
How to Get Your Tickets and More Information
All films will be presented in Japanese with English subtitles, ensuring that audiences can fully immerse themselves in the cinematic experience. Tickets are available through GSC’s official channels, and for more detailed information on film synopses, showtimes, and additional festival details, be sure to check out the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur’s social media platforms or visit GSC’s website at gsc.com.my.
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