Japanese Film Fest in Manila

Hey movie geeks, after the recently concluded French Film Fest, now it's the Japanese who be on the spotlight as the Eiga Sai 2014 or the Japanese Film Fest is set to happen beginning July 3.

“Otouto” is Master filmmaker Yoji Yamada’s first contemporary feature in ten years. He has always been known for his humanistic films.Paying homage to Ichikawa Kon's film of the same title, the film’s story revolves on a widow's unconditional love for her prodigal brother, as well as that of other people who have been touched by her kindness.

It is a heartwarming depiction of the bond between a hard-working older sister Ginko (Yoshinaga Sayuri) and her younger brother Tetsuro (Shofukutei Tsurube), an unsuccessful performer and drunkard. Widowed young, Ginko runs a pharmacy in Tokyo and lives with her daughter, Koharu (Aoi Yu). Koharu is to marry a distinguished doctor; but, out of the blue, Ginko's long lost brother, Tetsuro shows up at the wedding—wasted and not in his best elements, he ruins the occasion. Having to put up with him all her life, Ginko is ready to disown her burdensome younger brother; but, some things are easier said than done.

The film has enjoyed successful runs at various international film festivals abroad and emerged as one of the most acclaimed films from Japan in 2010, earningthe closing night attraction at the 2010 Berlin International Film Festival.

This year’s festival will also feature the complete edition of Always - Sunset on Third Street (ALWAYS Sancho-me no Yuhi) Part 1 to 3, Confessions (Kokuhaku), Kamui (Kamui Gaiden), Rinco’s Restaurant (Shokudo Katatsumuri),  Mai Mai Miracle (Mai Mai Shinko to sennen no maho), Castle Under Fiery Skies (Katen no Shiro), Japan, Our Homeland (Furusato - Japan), Parade and Dear Doctor.

All films will be shown with English subtitles. Screening venues are at the Shang Cineplex Cinema 2 (July 4 to 14), Abreeza, Ayala and FDCP Cinematheque, Davao City (July 19 to 28), Ayala Center Cinema 4, Cebu City (August 7 to 11) and UP Film Institute, Quezon City (August 19 to 25).  For detailed screening schedules and inquiries, please access the Japan Foundation, Manila website: www.jfmo.org.ph or call the JFM telephone numbers (+632) 811-6155 to 58.

- See more at: http://www.jfmo.org.ph/audio-visual-and-film/view/610/newsid/845/eigasai---japanese-film-festival-takes-the-lead-on-july-3--in-the-monthlong-activities-of-the-philippinesjapan-friendship-celebration.html#sthash.MjGeswrA.dpuf

Fête celebrates its 20th anniversary in Metro Manila It’s more Fête in the Philippines!

On Saturday, June 21, 2014, the Alliance Française de Manille (AFM), the Department of Tourism (DOT), Intramuros Administration, the Embassy of France to the Philippines in partnership with B-Side Productions and Viva Manila present the 20^th anniversary of Fête de la musique in Metro Manila.  On June 20th, there will be a Fête Kick-Off Party at Baluarte de SanDiego in Intramuros at 8pm featuring French, Filipino, and Indian artists: DJ M.MAT, SinIndia, Caliph 8 and Kate Torralba.

For the first time in 20 years, Fête de la musique will be celebrated simultaneously on the 3 main stages across 2 cities and 19 pocket stages, all free of cover charge as always. The main stages will be at A-Venue Parking Lot on Makati Avenue, Greenbelt 3 Park and Maestranza Plaza in Intramuros. The extension in Intramuros, one of Metro Manila’s richest historical sites, is made possible through the new partnership with the Department of Tourism, Intramuros Administration and Viva Manila.

Fête de la Musique aims to showcase the breadth and depth of Filipino talent while promoting universal values such as freedom, cultural diversity as well as generosity, as most of the artists are performing for free. The spirit of Fête also promotes brotherhood among nations and the joy to share together the same passion for music, art and culture.

From 3.30PM to 1:30AM, over 200 local acts and 2 French artists (M.MAT and DJ Jon Attend) will rock the main and pocket stages all over Makati, Intramuros and Malate.  Fête de la musique 2014 will feature Tropical Depression with Lolita Carbon of Asin, Kalayo with Joey Ayala, Radioactive Sago Project with Kat Agarrado of SinoSikat, Basti Artadi with Radha, Motherbass with June Marieezy, Imago, Pedicab, Barbie Almalbis, Cocojam, Kjwan, Taken by Cars, Flippin’ Soul Stompers, Brigada, Miss Badkiss, Caliph8, Red-I, Philippine All-Stars, just to name a few.

Independently organized pocket stages around Makati, Intramuros and Malate will be located near the main stages for people to freely jump from one venue to another.  They are as follows: Acoustic Stage & Fete Throwback Photo Exhibit by Li Perez + Generic Mawmaw at A_Space; Chillout Stage by Radar MNL at Buddha Bar; Rock/Reggae/Ska Stage by Chronic Wheeze & FoolMoon Productions at B-Side; House Party Stage by Personal Space + Durrty Hotdog + Riot House at Black Market & Finders Keepers; World Stage by Luna Fest & Musikeraw at Café Curieux; Latin Stage at Chihuahua; Blues, Soul & Funk Stage by MamboRat Productions at H&J; Hip-hop & RnB Stage by Boogie Down Manila at M Café; Cabaret Stage by PI Jazz Festival Foundation at Murphy’s Pub; Mod Stage by MOD Philippines + Ava Primeat Society Lounge; Jazz Stage by PI Jazz Festival Foundation hosted by Sandra Lim-Viray at Bayleaf Lounge, St Giles Hotel; Electronica Stage by Nomad Massive at Time in Manila; Indie Stage by NDFY@12 Monkeys in Century City Mall; Alternative Rock Stage by Red Ninja at Sazi’s Kalye Nakpil; Experimental Hip-hop by BuwanBuwan Colletive at Eat Café, V Hotel; Spoken Word Stage by Speak Philippines at Sev’s Café; Bass Beats Breaks Stage by Torta Manila at Heaven Malate; Nouveau Jazz Stage by PI Jazz Festival Foundation at Lyceum University of the Philippines.

Fête de la musique 2014 is organized by the Alliance Française de Manille, the Department of Tourism, Intramuros Administration, the Embassy of France to the Philippines in partnership with B-Side Productions and Viva Manila, and through the support from corporate partnerships with Rustan’s, Stores Specialists Inc., Bensimon, Smart, Spinnr and Illustrado; venue partnerships with A.Venue Mall, Ayala Center and Greenbelt; institutional partnerships with the City of Makati, Barangay Poblacion, MAPSA, Makati Police; hotel partnership with Best Western Plus Antel Hotel; and media partners BusinessWorld, High Life, HerWord.com, Esquire, Myx Music Channel, Solar News Channel, Deezer, Yahoo!, Radio Republic, Amplify.ph, Balut Radio, Travelife and the Tourism Promotions Board. The Fête de la Musique organizers would especially like to acknowledge the support of all the pockets venues and production partners for their continuous involvement and contribution to the success of this event that is celebrated worldwide.

Audrey Tautou Movie Mood Indigo in French Film Fest

I cannot wait to see Audrey Tautou dazzle me with her rom com quirks.

Her movie,  L’Écume des jours (Mood Indigo (Directed by Michel Gondry and Produced by Brio Films)) is part of this year's French Film Fest.

I loved Audrey in her movies Priceless, Delicacy, and of course Amelie, I just can't wait to see this film in cinema pa!

Here is a brief synopsis of the film.
Running time: 2 h 5 min
Released: April 24, 2013
Production year: 2013

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZD_I5VleaZM


This is the surreal and poetic story of Colin, an idealistic and inventive young man, who meets Chloé, a young woman who seems to be the incarnation of a blues by Duke Ellington. Their  idyllic marriage turns to sorrow when Chloé becomes ill, due to a water lilly growing in her lung. To pay for her medical care, in a fantastical Paris, Colin must work in increasingly absurd conditions, while their apartment falls to bits around them and their circle of friends, including talented Nicolas, and Chick, a fanatic of the philosoper Jean-Sol Sartre, disintegrates.

Screening dates: June 10, 8:30pm / June 13, 1:00pm / June 15, 6:00pm

See you!

19th French Festival Screening Schedule

Finally, the much awaited (for me) French Film Fest is happening this month at Greenbelt Cinema 3.

What more, Audrey Tatou of Amelie fame has a movie in this film fest. (Yay!)

Better come early as this is on a first come first serve basis only. :)

Bright and Fun For Everyone MyPhone Rio Fun

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