In 2025, the Japanese Film Festival was introduced across three African countries, and this year the creatives are going much bigger with the introduction of the Japanese Film Festival Africa Tour.
The Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation, in partnership with Ster-Kinekor, inaugurated the South African edition of the festival on Friday 2 October. South Africa is one of 14 African countries hosting screenings during this year’s tour.
The South African edition is screening exclusively at Ster-Kinekor Mall of Africa, Midrand, and entrance to the films is free. The five acclaimed Japanese films on offer will continue screening on 9, 16 and 17 October.
Here is a breakdown of the films, where you can choose what piques your interest.
Weathering with You (9 October 7:00 pm)
The story of leaving village life behind for the big city is so familiar to a lot of South Africans that Hodaka, a young schoolboy who runs away from his island home to Tokyo, will easily be relatable.
Just like these South Africans, the boy has no money or a place to stay, and solely depends on Good Samaritans for survival.
Hodaka’s encounter with a kind writer and a young girl who can summon the rain through prayer is very Ubuntu-coded. The story is also very universal as it is built around climate change.
The action unfolds in a scenic imagery set through some of the most hypnotic visuals.
Stand by Me Doraemon (16 October 7:00 pm)
Follow the robot-cat Doraemon in a futuristic tale built around the timeless themes of friendship and growth.
Comic book fanatics might recognise this one as it is an adaptation of the series by the manga writing duo that has sold over 100 million copies.
Nobita has some challenges at school and, in true genie style, Doraemon makes the young boy’s dreams come true by reaching into his own 4D pockets. This one is great for the whole family as it features child-friendly comedy and deep emotional themes that adults will find relatable.
Poupelle of Chimney Town (17 October 2:00 pm, 5:30 pm)
Discover the power of recycling in this tale about a boy and a man made of garbage.
The residents of Chimney Town, which is constantly forced to wear a cloud of smoke, take audiences on an animated fantasy adventure about self-belief and curiosity.
The man made of garbage is an uninvited guest who shows up in the town unannounced on Halloween, and this sets off a series of events.
How does he prove to the people of Chimney Town that there is an undiscovered world outside their residential area where, instead of smoke, the night sky is filled with stars and the promise of a brighter future?
Special Guest Talk: Producer Eiko Tanaka (17 October 3:40 pm)
Japanese animation and filmmaking fall under the spotlight in this dialogue, led by renowned producer Eiko Tanaka. Her career spans over four decades and she is among the pioneers of integrating anime into the Hollywood landscape.
Tanaka is also recognised as one of the most influential and boundary-pushing creatives in Japan’s modern film industry. Some of the most recognisable works she has co-produced include The Animatrix (2003) as well as Batman: Gotham Knight (2008) and Halo Legends (2010).
The festival opened with an exclusive screening of Godzilla Minus One, and the next blockbuster in the franchise Godzilla Minus Zero is set for release in Ster-Kinekor IMAX cinemas across the country in November.
There are no online bookings. Tickets become available at the Ster-Kinekor Mall of Africa box office from one hour before each screening on a first-come, first-served basis.
Follow Time Out Johannesburg on Facebook, TikTok and Instagram! While you’re at it, sign up for our newsletter to receive even more of the best of your city.
Source: www.timeout.com
