access>CINEMA and the Embassy of Ireland have long been committed to bringing the best of Japanese cinema to Ireland. That includes April of this year when they hosted another successful edition of the Japanese Film Festival and last night, when the excellent Shin Godzilla was finally shown in Ireland. Preceding that screening at the Light House Cinema was an announcement that the Japanese Film Festival and the Light House will be showing an impressive line-up of anime films throughout the rest of the year. Mixing eagerly anticipated upcoming releases with an anime classic, ‘Anime House’ ensures there’s a lot to look forward to for fans of Japanese animation in Dublin for the rest of 2017.
The line-up begins next Wednesday Aug 16 with Napping Princess. This film is a story about a kingdom of dreams, which young Kokone finds herself in after dozing off in the middle of exam prep. We’ve all been there. Magical tablets, family secrets and cute sidekicks are all involved as Kokone sets out on a magical journey. Tickets for this film are available now from the Light House.
On Oct 4 comes the romantic comedy The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl, directed by Masaaki Yuasa. Adapted from a Japanese novel, the film is a freeform depiction of a young man’s attempt to confess his love to The Girl With The Black Hair and the many mishaps that occur as a result. The very distinctive style of animation makes this film a very interesting prospect,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tp1L1vBidnA
On Oct 31 the cinema will be showing Perfect Blue, Satoshi Kon’s acclaimed and influential thriller which turns 20 this year. The blurred line between reality and fiction and the psychological descent of pop star Mima Kirigoe as she becomes a victim of stalking and takes on her first acting role is a known influence on the likes of Darren Arronofsky and made for helped cement Kon as one of the great anime directors until his untimely death from pancreatic cancer aged just 46 in 2010.
Fireworks (or to give it its full, somewhat lengthier title, Fireworks, Should We See It from the Side or the Bottom?) will be coming to the Light House on Nov 15. It’s a story of youth, of romance and of the best angle from which to view fireworks.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKtbewaqvz8
Finally Lu Over The Wall, which will be showing on Dec 6. With a notably fluid animation style, Lu Over The Wall is the story of junior high school boy Kai, who lives in the lonesome fishing port town Hinashi-cho, who one day encounters Lu the mermaid and gradually opens up to her as they deepen their exchanges.