Second annual Shinsedai Cinema Festival brings top Japanese independent films
to Toronto from July 22 to 25

Silent film classic The Water Magician with special live musical accompaniment and highly acclaimed Live Tape among first films confirmed for 2010 Festival

TORONTO, May 25 /CNW/ - The Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (JCCC) and Toronto J-Film Pow-Wow announce the second Shinsedai Cinema Festival - a four-day celebration of Japanese Indie Films in Toronto. From July 22-25, Festival-goers can view films - many of which have not been shown in Canada - that offer a rare glimpse into Japanese life, culture and commentary. Also unique to this festival is the accessibility of the top independent filmmakers and actors who attend the festival and meet the audiences. The festival will be held at Toronto's Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre.

"The Shinsedai Cinema Festival adds to Toronto's film festival scene by bringing the top indie Japanese films to enthusiasts," said James Heron, Executive Director of the Festival. "Over the past decade in Japan there has been an explosion of exciting new filmmakers telling stories that are important to them. These films from the shinsedai or new generation of Japanese filmmakers are making waves throughout the world because of their insightful, innovative, and irreverent content."

This year's Festival is once again co-programmed by the Toronto J-Film Pow-Wow's Chris MaGee and Midnight Eye's Jasper Sharp. Added MaGee, "The films confirmed to date and those we hope to confirm shortly are unique. They represent what we believe are the best in new and independent films from Japan. Many are hidden gems that we know Festival-goers will enjoy discovering. We are gathering films of all genres - dramas, comedies, documentaries, and shorts. We're very excited!"

Films already confirmed for the 2010 Shinsedai Cinema Festival include:

    
    -   The Water Magician - with live musical accompaniment by Toronto's
        Vowls
    -   Live Tape - Toronto premiere directed by Tetsuaki Matsue
    -   Island of Dreams - Toronto premiere - directed by Tetsuichiro Tsuta
    -   Confessions of a Dog - Canadian premiere - directed by Gen Takahashi
        (attending event)
    -   The Dark Harbour - Canadian premiere - directed by Naito Takatsugu
    -   The Red Spot - Toronto premiere - directed by Marie Miyayama
    -   Ladybirds' Requiem - short films by artist and animator Akino Kondoh
        (attending event)
    -   Different Cities (shown in special screening) - Canadian premiere
        directed by Kazuhiro Goshima
    -   Yuki Kawamura Trilogy (shown in special screening room) - Toronto
        premiere
    

This year, Festival-goers will again view feature films in the JCCC's state-of-the-art 6,500 square foot, 450-seat Kobayashi Hall. New this year is the screening room series where specific films that offer a more in-depth look into Japanese life and culture will run continuously throughout the Festival in a separate smaller and more intimate screening room that will be free for all attendees.

Festival goers can also dive into traditional and contemporary Japanese culture through special onsite workshops and exhibitions.

Information about tickets sales, films, schedules and other Festival news and activities can be found at http://shinsedai-fest.com/.

For over 30 years, the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre has been an engine for generating friendship through the exchange of culture and ideas between Canada and Japan. The Shinsedai Film Festival is just one way the JCCC showcases Japanese culture - this time through the eyes of some of its most talented filmmakers. Registered charity No. 118972967RR0001

For further information: Media contact: GoldFenix communications, Paul Tyler, [phone], [email protected]; or Victoria Ollers, [phone], [email protected]