Japanese Film Festival 2026
2026/7/15
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| 17-20 September 2026 @ Academy Cinemas (44 Lorne Street, Auckland CBD) | ||||||
Japanese Film Festival 2026 Flyer |
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| Free Admission NZ$1.50 online booking fee applies. |
English Subtitles |
Booking required at |
Japanese Film Festival 2026 – A Window into Contemporary Japan
This year's Japanese Film Festival presents a carefully curated selection of contemporary Japanese films that reflect the emotional depth and social realities of modern Japan. Through stories of family, craftsmanship, belonging, and personal transformation, the programme reveals the quiet richness and complexity of everyday life.
More than a film showcase, the festival serves as a cultural bridge, offering New Zealand audiences the opportunity to experience Japan through some of Japan's finest contemporary films.
All films are presented in Japanese with English subtitles.
We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating the richness and diversity of Japanese cinema.
| THU 17 September 6:00PM | FRI 18 SEP 6:00PM | SAT 19 SEP 1:00PM | |||
| She Taught Me Serendipity | Under the Open Sky | Tsugaru Lacquer Girl | |||
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| ©2025 "She Taught Me Serendipity" Film Partners | ©Ryuzo Saki/2021 "Under the Open Sky" Production Committee | ©2023 "Tsugaru Lacquer Girl" film partners | |||
| A tender coming-of-age drama about love, loss, and the quiet moments that shape our lives. When university student Konishi meets the warm and optimistic Sakurada, his once-ordinary world begins to open up in unexpected ways. As their relationship deepens, a sudden tragedy challenges everything they believed about happiness and the future. With its honest portrayal of youth, vulnerability, and emotional resilience, the film captures the beauty of human connection and the universal journey of finding hope, even in life's most difficult moments.. | A powerful human drama about redemption, second chances, and the search for belonging. After serving a 13-year prison sentence, former yakuza (Japanese organized crime syndicate) Mikami sets out to build an honest life, only to discover how difficult it is to earn trust and find his place in society. Anchored by an outstanding performance from Koji Yakusho, the film offers a compassionate and thought-provoking look at justice, human dignity, and the resilience needed to begin again. Through one man's journey, it reveals a deeply human side of contemporary Japan and the universal hope for acceptance and change. | Set in the beautiful countryside of Aomori Prefecture, This film is a heartfelt family drama about tradition, identity, and finding the courage to follow one's own path. As the centuries-old craft of Tsugaru lacquerware faces an uncertain future, a young woman struggles to balance family expectations with her own dreams. Through its moving story and rich portrayal of Japanese craftsmanship, the film offers a touching glimpse into the dedication, resilience, and cultural heritage that continue to shape communities across Japan. |
| SAT 19 SEP 3:30PM | SUN 20 SEP 1:00PM | SUN 20 SEP 3:30PM | |||
| Welcome Back | Wash Away | After the Sunset | |||
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| ©2025 GunsRock | ©Yakusiki | ©Nagashima Tairiku Film Executive Committee | |||
| A compelling movie that blends the intensity of boxing with a deeply human story of friendship, resilience, and personal growth. Raised like brothers, two young men find their bond shattered by a single defeat, sending each of them on a separate journey toward independence and self-discovery. Driven by authentic performances and emotional storytelling, Welcome Back explores the challenges of overcoming setbacks and finding the strength to move forward. More than a sports film, it is a moving portrait of determination, reconciliation, and the enduring power of hope. | A tender and deeply moving family drama about memory, connection, and the bonds that endure through time. When Kana begins caring for her grandmother, who is living with dementia, she discovers unexpected moments of joy, laughter, and emotional connection. As fragments of forgotten memories return, hidden stories from the past emerge, leading Kana to reflect on her own life and future. With warmth and gentle humour, Wash Away celebrates the power of family, the importance of understanding, and the enduring relationships that remain even when memories begin to fade. | Set in the peaceful island community of Nagashima, Kagoshima, After the Sunset is a heartfelt human drama exploring the meaning of family, love, and belonging. Yuichi and Satsuki have raised Towa, a young boy who came into their care as a foster child, and hope to officially welcome him into their family. As they begin the adoption process, they uncover the story of his past and face unexpected challenges involving his biological mother. Through the lives of the family and the island community around them, the film gently explores the bonds that connect people, the complexities of parenthood, and the many forms that family can take. |
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