Umeda Burg7, Osaka / ABC Hall, Osaka, etc.
• Mar 3–12
Aimed at promoting Osaka as a gateway for Asian cinema, this annual celebration of filmmaking features a wide selection of independent movies including select titles previously unreleased in Japan. Another great aspect of this event is being able to meet with people in the film industry. The opening movie, Mrs K, is a collaboration between Malaysia and Hong Kong, filmed by Ho Yuhang. The closing movie is a Japanese film Parks, starring Ai Hashimoto and directed by Natsuki Seta. Several movies will be screened with English subtitles. There is an almost bewildering array of tickets and screenings available, so check the website for venues and prices. It is wise to get advance tickets as numbers are limited. Prices range from ¥1,100 per movie, to a one-day ticket.