JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL 2021 OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED : BRINGING THE BEST OF JAPANESE CINEMA TO THE BIG SCREEN

The Japanese Film Festival 2021 officially launched yesterday after over a year-long hiatus to continue to provide the best of Japanese films to all film lovers out there.

The Opening Ceremony was held at GSC Mid Valley Megamall with YBhg. Datuk Wira Dr. Noor Zari bin Hamat, Secretary General, Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture officiating the ceremony.

“Let me record our gratitude to both the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur for the deep support and patience, in re-scheduling this in-cinema event and having the faith in running the Japanese Film Festival in a cinema proper, where Japanese movie fans can converge with safety measures in place, to enjoy the exclusive Japanese movies together,” said Ms. Koh Mei Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Golden Screen Cinemas in her speech.

Ms. Koh Mei Lee during her speech at the Opening Ceremony.

“Films are one of several ways to share life experiences through visual means and being connected to stories of people from far corners of this world. From documentaries to fiction, love stories to comedies, or human drama to art films, you can learn so much about the country and its people through the stories you see in the film,” shared YBhg. Datuk Wira Dr. Noor Zari bin Hamat.

“When activity restrictions are imposed because of the pandemic, it is quite exciting to watch a film at a real cinema. A real cinema with comfy chairs, large and powerful screen with amazing sound effects, and delicious snacks to munch on. We’ve missed all of this so much for a very long time,” said Mr. ARAKI Kaname, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan in Kuala Lumpur. He further highlighted that 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of the Look East Policy since the Malaysian Government introduced it in 1982.

The Japanese Film Festival 2021 will be held at participating GSC cinemas in the Klang Valley (GSC  Mid Valley, GSC 1 Utama and GSC NU Sentral) from 6 to 12 January 2022 followed by Penang (GSC Gurney Plaza) and Johor Bahru (GSC Paradigm Mall JB) from 13 to 16 September. JFF will then be touring East Malaysia to Kuching (GSC CityONE Megamall) and Kota Kinabalu (GSC Suria Sabah) from 20 to 23 January 2022.

All films are presented in Japanese with English subtitles.
For more information, visit www.jfkl.org.my and www.gsc.com.my.