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13th Japanese Film Festival

It's full steam ahead for another exciting year of the latest in Japanese cinema.

Last year's closing film was Yojiro Takita's Departures, which went on to win an Oscar®. This year, we will be delivering another fantastic line-up, with an exceptional selection of fresh new titles.





Thursday 3 December - Tuesday 8 December 2009
Full $14 Concession $12 Japan Foundation Member $10
5 Session Package: $55 (excluding opening and closing films)
NB > 5 Session Packages can only be purchased in person at the ACMI Tickets & Information Desk.

The Chef of the South Pole Based on a true story, this is culinary delight is filled with food, ice and laughter.

The Homeless Student A student is forced to live on the streets after he and his siblings are evicted from their home.

Kamui On the run to escape his villainous ninja clan, Kamui roams the earth in search of freedom.

The Cherry Tree in the Hills A widow struggles to adapt to a new mariage in this period drama based on the Shuhei Fujisawa novel.

School Days with a Pig A class of sixth-grade students learn the value of life when they raise a pig.

K-20: Legend of the Mask Set in a retro-futuristic Japan, the 'Fiend with 20 Faces' (a.k.a. K20) is terrorising the rich.

Gravity's Clown A haunting, intriguing mystery about a family's hidden secret that begins to unravel.

The Kiss A crime thriller about a love triangle between a murderer, his lawyer and a lonely woman.

The Blue Bird A teacher encourages his class to be responsible for their actions after a student attempts suicide.

Kamogawa Horumo - Battle League in Kyoto A comedy/fantasy in which university students battle in an ancient game involving CGI dragons.

Detroit Metal City A shy and gentle musician pay the bills by fronting a death metal band.

Summer Days with Coo A young boy stumbles across a mythical creature and decides to adopt it in this animated adventure.

Oppai Volleyball A male volleyball team are motivated when their coach offers to reveal her breasts if they win.

All Around Us This tender exploration of a marriage reveals the realities and fragilities of relationships.

Pandemic When a flu-like virus spreads rapidly across Japan, a doctor races against time to find a cure.

The Handsome Suit An unattractive and socially awkward man discovers a magical suit that transforms him into a hunk.