From Samurai epics to powerful domestic dramas, celebrate over 100 years of Japanese cinema in cinemas and other venues nationwide this October.
In 2020 BFI celebrated the cinema of Japan, with a comprehensive programme of films online via BFI Player and select screenings and events. Due to the impact of COVID-19 on UK cinemas, the season was postponed.
We are now pleased to announce Japan 2021, a UK-wide season of Japanese cinema , from early silents to contemporary innovation, and everything in between. Led by BFI in partnership with BFI FAN and ICO, Japan 2021 is a comprehensive major programme of films for BFI FAN members to book and is now welcoming applications for events celebrating Japanese cinema.
BFI FAN are offering funding up to £5,000 for organisations to present screenings and engagement activity as part of the season. Smaller awards of up to £500 will be awarded to support costs for one-off screenings and booking fees.
Find out how to apply here
Major Programmes support is open to all FAN members who want to take part in the season, via tiered funding programmes.
Activity window: 1 October 2021 – 31 December 2021.
- Applications open: Wednesday 21 July 2021
- Applications close (EOI only): Monday 23 August 2021.
- Financial support confirmed from: Monday 6 September 2021.
Applications close (Screening Support only):
- Round 1 deadline: Monday 6 September for a decision the w/c 10 September.
- Round 2 deadline: Monday 4 October, for a decision the w/c 11 October.
- Round 3 deadline: Monday 8 November, for a decision the w/c 14 November.
Highlights of the programme include:
- Seven Samurai (Shichinin no samurai) (Akira Kurosawa, 1954) 207 + 5 min interval = 212) Cert PG new 2K DCP/Blu-ray/DVD
- Throne of Blood (Kumonosu-jô)(Akira Kurosawa, 1957) 110 Cert 12A new 2K DCP/Blu-ray/DVD
- Yojimbo (Yôjinbô)(Akira Kurosawa, 1961) 111 Cert 12A new 2K DCP/Blu-ray/DVD
- Early Summer (Bakushû)(Yasujirô Ozu) 1951 125 Cert U new 4K DCP/Blu-ray/DVD
- The Flavour of Green Tea Over Rice (Ochazuke no aji) (Yasujirô Ozu, 1952) 116 Cert U new 4K DCP/Blu-ray/DVD
- Tokyo Story (Tôkyô monogatari)(Yasujiro Ozu, 1953) 136 Cert U 4K DCP new 4K DCP/Blu-ray/DVD
Seven Samurai release date: Fri 29 Oct 2021
Other touring titles available: Fri 5 Nov 2021
Non-theatrical titles available from: Fri 19 Nov 2021
