#JFF2023 - CAPTIVATING MALAYSIA FILM LOVERS WITH FASCINATING JAPANESE FILM TITLES

 

If you're wondering what to do this weekend, head out to the nearest GSC cinema in Klang Valley to watch 12 exclusive titles with an affordable price. And 4 more additional special screenings as well. The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) 2023 had its official launch last Tuesday, captivating both avid cinephiles and newcomers with the finest Japanese cinema.

The Opening Ceremony was a resounding success, hosted at GSC Mid Valley, and graced by distinguished guests including Ms. Koh Mei Lee (Chief Executive Officer, Golden Screen Cinemas), Mr. MIYAKE Sho (Director of “Small, Slow but Steady”), YB Ms. Teo Nie Ching (Deputy Minister, Ministry of Communication and Digital), H.E. Mr. TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko (Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia), Mr. TSUKAMOTO Norihisa (Director, The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur), and Mr. LIM Kah Wai (Director of “Your Lovely Smile”).

"This edition of the Japanese Film Festival 2023 entices us to be transported to the cinematic magic of Japan, with a record of 16 Japanese movies this year to be screened in 7 JFF locations. While the JFKL team did most of the work in bringing the bulk of the Japanese movies to be screened in the selected 7 JFF locations, we, the GSC Group of Companies is also proud to support the 19th JFF with the inclusion of our GSC International Screens movie – “#Manhole”, which will be screened in an additional 9 locations." shared by Ms. Koh Mei Lee.

Japanese director MIYAKE Sho, is proud to showcase his film, "Small, Slow But Steady," in Malaysia, drawing inspiration from the late Yasmin Ahmad's film, "Talentime." He expressed that this opportunity is a significant honor for him as he greatly admires Yasmin's work, which is regarded as some of the finest in the country. "The story revolves around a woman with a hearing impairment. But before I produced this film, I conducted extensive research on such stories. One of them is actually a film from Malaysia. I'm sure some of you are familiar with Yasmin's 'Talentime.' I feel incredibly privileged to have this opportunity to showcase my film in your country," he said.

“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur and the Golden Screen Cinemas for their dedicated efforts in making this event possible. My profound gratitude also goes to Mitsubishi Corporation, Books Kinokuniya, VIDA, HISAMITSU, Sushi King, Hoshino Coffee, Imuraya, Japan Airline, and the media partners such as TV3, Tonton, Goggler, Cinema Online and all other partners for their invaluable contribution and support. My appreciation also goes to the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, FINAS, under the Ministry of Communications and Digital, as Japan is able to introduce Japanese content to Malaysia through their kind assistance.” expressed by the Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, H.E. Mr. TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko for making this annual cultural celebration a highly anticipated event.

YB Ms. Teo Nie Ching, representing the Ministry of Communication and Digital Malaysia, inaugurated the JFF 2023. "The year 2023 also marks the 50th anniversary of JAPAN-ASEAN Friendship and Cooperation, which has helped to establish close relations between Japan and Southeast Asian countries, including Malaysia. In conjunction with that, it’s exciting to learn that this year’s Film Festival has special programs in store. One includes inviting a special  guest from Japan, award-winning director MIYAKE Sho, and I’m excited to watch the opening film tonight. Also, it’s great to meet Mr LIM Kah Wai who has been acting as our “bridge” between us and Japan; directing and releasing films in Japan for over a decade." she added.

The Japanese Film Festival 2023 will be held at participating GSC cinemas in Klang Valley (GSC Mid Valley, GSC 1 Utama and GSC NU Sentral) from 7 to 13 September followed by Johor Bahru (GSC Paradigm Mall JB) from 14 to 17 September and Penang (GSC Gurney Plaza) from 21 to 24 September. JFF will then be touring East Malaysia to Kuching (GSC CityONE Megamal) from 5 to 8 October and Kota Kinabalu (GSC Suria Sabah) from 12 to 15 October.

All films are presented in Japanese with English subtitles. Tickets will be sold at RM 10.00 except for “#Manhole” which will be sold at prevailing ticket pricing.

For more information, visit www.jfkl.org.my and www.gsc.com.my.