An Open Draft – Asia Film Programmers Lab (FY2024 Edition)
As part of its comprehensive project “Partnership to Co-create a Future with the Next Generation: WA Project 2.0,” which aims to foster exchange and human resource development among the next generation in Japan and ASEAN countries, the Japan Foundation (JF) launched a program in 2024 focused on professionals involved in film curation (film programmers). The following is the activity report for its first year.
Phase 1 (Workshop and Research in Tokyo)
October - November 2024
Presentations at the JF Headquarters
Phase 1 of this project includes workshops on organizing Japanese film screening programs, as well as network building with film professionals from Japan and other countries and conducting research on Japanese cinema.
In FY2024, 13 young professionals involved in film curation and programming―8 from ASEAN countries and 5 from Japan―gathered in Tokyo to coincide with the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) and participated in the program described below. Participants commented: “It was a great opportunity to rethink film programming through discussions with other participants and mentors,” and “Spending a lot of time together with other participants created solid connections.”
Visit to the cinema Stranger (Kikukawa, Tokyo)
| Period | Monday, October 28, 2024 - Monday, November 4, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Venue | Tokyo (JF Headquarters, TIFF venues, etc.) |
| Organizers | JF, Tokyo International Film Festival |
| Advisor | TSUCHIDA Tamaki (Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival, Waseda University) |
| Mentors | TSUCHIDA Tamaki YAMASHITA Koyo (Director, Image Forum Festival) WAKAI Makiko (Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival) Marion Klomfaß (Director, Nippon Connection) |
| Participants | Chandara So (Founder and Managing Director, Cambodia Filmmaker Network / Cambodia) Raslene (Film Programmer / Indonesia) Yustinus Kristianto Eko Prasetyo (Film Programmer, Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival / Indonesia) Yu Ern Chia (Program Manager, Malaysia International Film Festival (at the time) / Malaysia) Eunice Joyce Helera (Film Programmer / Philippines) Grace Marie Lopez (Assistant Professor, University of the Philippines Cebu / Philippines) Putthapong Cheamrattonyu (Film Programmer, Thai Film Archive / Thailand) Nguyen Le (Film Critic, Subtitle Translator / Vietnam) UEDA Masayuki (Program Director, Waseda Shochiku / Japan) OKUBO Risa (Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival / Japan) KABASAWA Yuki (Programmer, Eurospace / Japan) NAOI Azusa (Program Director, Waseda Shochiku / Japan) NIIYA Kazuki (Film Scholar, Graduate School of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies / Japan) |
| Program |
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Phase 2
Phase 2 of this project includes screenings and other events organized by participants from ASEAN countries to present the outcomes of Phase 1.
Event Reports
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)
The screening events
As the first event of Phase 2, Yu Ern Chia, programmer for the Malaysia International Film Festival, curated a series of screenings and related events under the theme “Characters in Bloom.”
The screenings drew a large audience, primarily young people, and featured a substantial lineup including online Q&A sessions with three renowned directors: IWAI Shunji, KORE-EDA Hirokazu, and OKITA Shuichi.
Additionally, NAOI Azusa, a participant from Japan who supported the curation of this event, and TSUCHIDA Tamaki, the project advisor and mentor, each served as moderators for the Q&A sessions with the directors. They also appeared as speakers in the lecture and talk sessions held as part of the event. Both individuals also had the opportunity to meet with Malaysian film programmers and film industry professionals, deepening their connections.
Chia commented, “Meeting Japanese mentors and colleagues I wouldn’t have encountered without this program was truly an invaluable opportunity. I look forward to introducing Japanese films in the future as well.”
| Event Name | Japanese Cinema Mini Showcase 2025 - Characters in Bloom |
|---|---|
| Event Period | Friday, February 21, 2025–Monday, February 24, 2025 |
| Venues | GSC Mid Valley (screenings), Wayang Budiman, Sunway University (related events) |
| Curator | Yu Ern Chia (Programmer, Malaysia International Film Festival) |
| Curatorial Support | NAOI Azusa (Program Director, Waseda Shochiku) |
| Featured Films | Maborosi by KORE-EDA Hirokazu (1995)* Love Letter by IWAI Shunji (1995)* A Story of Yonosuke by OKITA Shuichi (2012)* Sweet Bean by KAWASE Naomi (2015) (*) Some screenings were followed by online Q&A sessions with the directors |
| Related Events |
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| Organizer | The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur |
| Cooperation | Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) |
| Project Website | https://www.jfkl.org.my/events/jcms-2025/ |
Indonesia
(1) Jakarta
Screening and talk session
As the second event of Phase 2, Indonesian film programmer Raslene curated a series of screenings and related events under the theme “Young Adult Angst Club” (details below).
Tickets sold out for all screenings within an hour of going on sale, drawing a large audience primarily of young people. The screenings were well-received, with audience comments including “I really loved the concept and the film selections. I think many young people, not just me, could relate to the films.”
In addition, NIIYA Kazuki, a participant from Japan who supported the curation of this screening event, took the stage for Q&A sessions after the screenings and for a talk session held as a related event. During the talk session, NIIYA and Raslene spoke about the intent behind the screening program, followed by an exchange of views on the film screening landscape and challenges in each country, the role of programmers, specific examples of activities, and engagement with communities. This discussion drew on their experiences as programmers in Indonesia and Japan, as well as NIIYA’s experience introducing Latin American films.
Raslene commented, “I hope to organize another Japanese program. The screenings were held at a multiplex in central Jakarta this time, but next time, I would like to try changing the format a little and screen the films in suburban areas, for instance, decentralizing accessibility.”
| Event Name | Young Adult Angst Club |
|---|---|
| Event Period | Saturday, May 10, 2025–Sunday, May 11, 2025 |
| Venues | CGV Cinemas Pacific Place (screenings), The Japan Foundation, Jakarta, Sakura Hall (related events) |
| Curator | Raslene (Film programmer) |
| Curatorial Support | NIIYA Kazuki (Film Scholar, Graduate School of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies) |
| Featured Films | Happyend by SORA Neo (2024) And So We Put Goldfish in the Pool by NAGAHISA Makoto (2017) Eliana, Eliana by Riri Riza (2002) People Who Talk to Plushies Are Kind by KANEKO Yurina (2023) Desert of Namibia by YAMANAKA Yoko (2024) (*) All screenings were followed by Q&A sessions |
| Related Events | Talk Session with NIIYA Kazuki and Raslene
|
| Organizer | The Japan Foundation, Jakarta |
(2) Bandung
Screening and pop-up shops
As the third event of Phase 2, Yustinus Kristiano Eko Prasetyo, a film programmer for the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival, curated a series of screenings and related activities under the title “PAUSE: REPOST,” featuring films from Japan and Indonesia.
The programmer selected a hamburger shop in Bandung that doubles as an art studio for the venue and invited pop-up shops by local artists to coincide with the screening times. As a result, the screening attracted not only film fans, but also young people interested in art, creating a lively atmosphere.
In addition, as a related event, YAMASHITA Koyo, a mentor for this project, gave a lecture on Japanese experimental film and exchanged opinions with an audience primarily consisting of film students.
Yustinus commented, “During my stay in Tokyo, seeing various film festivals and screening venues taught me that there are diverse ways to stage screenings and delight audiences. I was able to put this learning into practice with this series. Going forward, I want to continue researching and screening Japanese films, focusing primarily on short films and art films.”
| Event Name | PAUSE: REPOST |
|---|---|
| Event Period | Friday, May 29, 2025 – Sunday, June 1, 2025 |
| Venues | Abraham & Smith HQ (screenings), Parahyangan Catholic University (related events) |
| Curator | Yustinus Kristiano Eko Prasetyo (Film Programmer,Jogja -Netpac Asian Film Festival ) |
| Featured Films | Indonesian Learn, Kappa Hunting Techniques by KOTAKA Takuro (2021) Into the Emerald Sea by Asuka Lin (2024) On-Gaku: Our Sound by IWAISAWA Kenji (2020) Dimana Saya? (Where Was I?) (2008), Maaf Senin Tutup (Sorry, Closed on Monday) (2018), Evakuasi Mama Emola (Evacuation of Mama Emola) (2022) by Anggun Priambodo Akibat Internet Bebas (A Safe Guide to Internet) (2024) by Azzam Fi Rullah (*) A Q&A session was held with directors Anggun Priambodo and Azzam Fi Rullah |
| Related Events | Lecture by YAMASHITA Koyo Lecture Theme: “The Significance of Experimental Film Today”
|
| Organizer | The Japan Foundation, Jakarta |
Thailand
Salaya (Near Bangkok / Thailand)
The screening venue and pre-screening discussion
As the fourth event of Phase 2, Putthapong Cheamrattonyu, film programmer at the Thai Film Archive, curated a series of screenings and related events under the theme “Japanese ↦ Thai Prewar Talkies,” featuring works from both countries.
Despite being located in the suburbs of Bangkok, the Thai Film Archive drew crowds of film enthusiasts to this unique screening series. In particular, the Japanese film screenings were very well-attended, filling nearly 100 seats each time.
In addition, Mr. UEDA Masayuki, a participant from Japan who supported the curation of this event, took the stage for pre-screening talk sessions. He provided commentary on the Japanese films, deepening the audience’s understanding.
Cheamrattonyu commented, “Creating the program booklet was the most challenging part because it focused on the relationship between Thailand and Japan in terms of film history. Participating in this project was rewarding for me personally, but I would be delighted if it also served as an opportunity for the audience to learn more.”
Program booklet created by Putthapong Cheamrattonyu
| Event Name | Japanese & Thai Prewar Talkies |
|---|---|
| Event Period | Friday, June 6, 2025 – Sunday, June 8, 2025 |
| Venue | Thai Film Archive |
| Curator | Putthapong Cheamrattonyu (Film Programmer, Thai Film Archive) |
| Curatorial Support | UEDA Masayuki (Program Director, Waseda Shochiku) |
| Featured Films | Luead Chaona by Srisuk Wasuwat, Chuea Intharatut (1936) Pid Thong Lang Phra by Prince Bhanubandhu Yugala (1939) Wife! Be Like a Rose! by NARUSE Mikio (1935) Klong Chang (1938) The Neighbor’s Wife and Mine by GOSHO Heinosuke (1931) Tipsy Life by KIMURA Sotoji (1933) Final Take by YAMADA Yoji (1986) The Only Son by OZU Yasujiro (1936) (*) Talk sessions were held before all screenings |
| Organizer | The Japan Foundation, Bangkok |
| Cooperation | Thai Film Archive |
| Project Website | https://ba.jpf.go.jp/en/prewar_talkies/ |
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