FESTIVAL OF ITALIAN CINEMA IN TOKYO, VIII EDITION
May 1st - 6th 2008 -- Yurakucho Asahi Hall (Tokyo)
The Festival of Italian Cinema in Tokyo is one of the most anticipated events to take place during Japan's Golden Week. This event organized by the Italian Cultural Institute, Filmitalia and Asahi Shimbun and under the patronage of Italy's Embassy in Tokyo and the Ministry of culture and welfare, with the High patronage of the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano will soon celebrate its eigth edition by presenting 12 new Italian films unedited in Japan as well as 4 Shorts.
The selection of films range in different genres, historical and comic, thrillers giving the spectator an extensive look at today's Italy and its filmography.
The films selected are : Centochiodi by Ermanno Olmi, Saturno contro by Ferzan Ozpetek, Days and Clouds by Silvio Soldini, Flying Lessons by Francesca Archibugi, La giusta distanza by Carlo Mazzacurati, Non pensarci by Gianni Zanasi, Salty Air by Alessandro Angelini, La ragazza del lago by Andrea Molaioli, La masseria delle allodole by the Taviani Brothers, I Vicerè by Roberto Faenza and Caravaggio by Angelo Longoni.
Also being presented is Fellini's masterpiece, 8 e 1/2, in a beautifully restored print. The selection of Shorts, made in collaboration with the National Syndicate of Italian Film Journalists, feature Il Supplente by Andrea Jublin -- which received an Oscar nomination at this year's Academy Awards for Best Short, Ieri by Luca Scivoletto, Uova by Alessandro Celli and Europa 2005, 27 ottobre by Jean-Marie Straub and Daniele Huillet.
The number to date of titles having been presented in Japan over the years is now around one hundred, since the inauguration of this event in 2001.
A very significant number for a festival which year after year grows in size and in the number of spectators who attend this one year event in the Japanese metropolis. 100,000 spectators are expected for this year's edition.
The great interest in Italian cinema on behalf of the Japanese audience has made Japan one of the major markets for Italian productions, coming in second after Western Europe. Statistically speaking from 2001-2007, of the 81 titles presented, 25 of these titles were sold and distributed to Japan, that is equal to 31%.
Among the artistic delegation that this year will be in Tokyo to present their films are major Italian artists such as actors Valerio Mastandrea and Valentina Lodovini; Directors Francesca Archibugi, Andrea Molaioli, Ferzan Ozpetek and Gianni Zanasi; Producers Francesca Cima and Rita Rognoni.