Every year the Embassy of Japan hosts a free film festival to encourage the growth of Japanese culture and understanding in New Zealand.

The Japanese Film Festival is coming back to Auckland from 27–29 November with six films screening at Academy Cinemas. The 2020 lineup includes A Banana? At This Time of Night?, a human drama depicting Yasuaki Shikano who lived his dreams while struggling with muscular dystrophy; A Beautiful Star, a sci-fi film following a family who believe they are from outer space; plus samurai drama Iwane: Sword of Serenity and a series of animated stop motion features from award-winning director Takeshi Yashiro.

All screenings are free of charge, with a nominal booking fee of $1.51. All films will be in Japanese with English subtitles.