ICA presents 'Contemporary Japanese People on Film'

Sunday, 03 February 2008 20:01

London - With this season of six contemporary films, the Japan Foundation's annual touring film programme offers a glimpse of real life in contemporary Japan. On exhibition 9 February 2008 - 17 February 2008 at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA).  Almost half a century ago, during the second golden period of Japanese cinema, directors such as Yasujiro Ozu and Mikio Naruse created some of the finest examples of a sub-genre of films that had been around since the 1920s: Shomin-geki.

These were dramas about the everyday struggles and moral conflicts of the ordinary working people of Japan. Fifty years on the potential for drama may not have changed but the situations have: there are no bullets to the head or blood splatter, no clashing katana or bizarre ghosts with long hair. Does this sound boring? Don't worry, this season, chock-a-block with UK premieres, remains true to the history of Japanese cinema and will provide experiences much closer to home.

This film season is produced and organised by the Japan Foundation with advice from Jasper Sharp, independent programmer.

"The ICA is home to the best new art and culture from Britain and around the world. A meeting point for exploration between artists and audiences, the ICA examines the questions that shape our culture, society and individual lives. We believe in creative adventure. In art as inspiration. Ultimately the ICA is not so much a place as a principle. A belief in the new. An enduring faith in the creativity of tomorrow." Ekow Eshun

The Institute of Contemporary Arts was established in 1947 by a collective of artists, poets and writers to showcase and champion contemporary culture across a wide range of art forms. Since its establishment, it has been at the centre of many of the most significant artistic and cultural developments in the past 60 years. It has also introduced numerous artists, performers, writers and other cultural figures to a wider audience, both nationally and internationally.  Visit : www.ica.org.uk/