The Japanese Film Festival is the premier destination for fans of Japanese cinema.

Proudly presented by The Japan Foundation, Sydney, the festival will be gracing screens in five major cities throughout Australia, commencing in Canberra (Sept 30 – Oct 15) before making its mark in Perth (October 16-22), Brisbane (October 6-22), Melbourne (October 23 – November 5), and culminating in Sydney (October 23-31 ).

This year, the festival theme revolves around the enduring link between the past and the present.

Kicking off the festival is the buzzworthy opening night film We’re Broke, My Lord! from director Tetsu Maeda. Other highlights include Yudo: The Way of the Bath, Single8, Yokaipedia,We Made a Beautiful Bouquet, The Forbidden Play, Immersion and Natchan’s Little Secret.

Beyond the new releases, JFF 2023 also takes a retrospective journey with its free JFF Special Series, celebrating the works of filmmaker Kо̄ Nakahira, a stalwart of post-war Japanese cinema.

There will also be post-screening talks led by academics and special performances to help truly immerse audiences in the Japanese artform.

The program of events in all five major cities are:

Canberra 30 Sept – 15 Oct
Opening Reception: 11 October at Palace Electric
Latest Releases: 11-15 October at Palace Electric
Special Series: 30 Sept-1 Oct at NFSA

Perth 16-22 October
Opening Reception: 16 October at Palace Raine Square
Latest Releases: 16-22 October at Palace Raine Square

Brisbane 6-22 October
Opening Reception: 18 October at Palace Barracks
Latest Releases: 18-22 October at Palace Barracks
Special Series: 6-7-8 & 11 October at QAGOMA

Melbourne 23 October – 5 November
Opening Reception: 23 October at The Kino
Latest Releases: 23-29 October at The Kino, Palace Balwyn
Special Series: 2-5 November at ACMI

Sydney 23-31 October
Opening Reception: 26 October at Palace Norton Street
Latest Releases: 26-31 October at Palace Central, Palace Norton Street, Palace Verona
Special Series: 23-25 October at The Chauvel