The 2024 Japanese Film Festival Program Is Here with Animation From a Studio Ghibli Alum and Chaotic Karaoke Antics

If there's ever a range of films that proves that every movie deserves to be seen in a cinema, it's Studio Ghibli's output. If you had your first experience with Spirited Away or My Neighbour Totoro at home, then felt compelled to catch a retrospective showing at your local picture palace, you'll understand. Indeed, Australian theatres get it, too, given how often the Japanese animation house's movies return to the silver screen.

The Imaginary isn't a Studio Ghibli release, but it has a Ghibli pedigree. The second feature from Studio Ponoc after 2017's Mary and the Witch's Flower, it's both directed and penned by Ghibli alumni — the latter of which founded Ponoc. It made its Aussie debut on streaming this year, but is now getting a well-deserved big-screen outing at the 2024 Japanese Film Festival as one of its must-see titles.

The just-dropped lineup for this year's JFF will give audiences the chance to see this enchanting tale about imaginary friends — 2024's third such film after Blumhouse horror movie Imaginary and the John Krasinski (A Quiet Place Part II)-directed IF, and the best of them — as well as nine other new Japanese features. The latest flicks out of its country of choice are just one part of the JFF setup, however. In four of its five cities, audiences will also enjoy a retrospective season that focuses on classics by Shohei Imamura, a two-time Palme d'Or winner courtesy of The Ballad of Narayama and The Eel.

Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney will receive the full festival treatment, while just the new releases will play Perth. The festival kicks off with its retro sessions in the nation's capital in late September, before making its way around the country throughout October and into November.

Let's Go Karaoke! Film Partners

Opening the fest: Mom, Is That You?! , a mix of heartwarming comedy and workplace commentary from prolific director Yoji Yamada (Kinema no Kamisama). Other highlights include chaotic karaoke antics in Let's Go Karaoke!, with a choir boy and a yakuza striking up a friendship over singing lessons; fellow manga adaptation Sand Land; World War II-set historical drama Shadow of Fire; and rom-com Our Secret Diary.

Or, there's more laughs via A Samurai in Time and The Dancing Okami, with the first paying tribute to samurai stuntman Seizo Fukumoto and the second inspired by an IRL tourism campaign — and also thrills via Matched and Out, following a wedding planner who connects with a suspected serial killer without knowing via online dating, plus a former juvenile gang leader's quest for redemption.

MIRAIEIGASHA

2024 marks the Japanese Film Festival's 28th year in Australia — and the event's in-person lineup comes after its online program screened in the middle of the year.

"Australia has always been a second home to Japanese film, with an exponentially growing audience captivated by Japanese cinema every year," said Manisay Oudomvilay from The Japan Foundation, Sydney, announcing the 2024 JFF bill.

"Each of the featured films this year dissects the common human experience from a uniquely Japanese perspective, which will resonate with everyone regardless of their familiarity with Japanese culture."

Sand Land Film Partners

Japanese Film Festival 2024 Dates:

Canberra:
Latest releases: Wednesday, October 9–Tuesday, October 15 at Palace Electric
Special series: Tuesday, September 24–Wednesday, September 25 and Saturday, September 28–Sunday, September 29 at NFSA

Perth:
Latest releases: Monday, October 14–Tuesday, October 22 at Palace Raine Square

Brisbane:
Latest releases: Thursday, October 17–Tuesday, October 22 at Palace Barracks
Special series: Monday, October 7–Wednesday, October 16 at QAGOMA

Melbourne:
Latest releases: Monday, October 21–Tuesday, October 29 at The Kino
Special series: Thursday, October 31–Sunday, November 3 at ACMI

Sydney:
Latest releases: Thursday, October 24–Monday, October 28 at Palace Norton Street and Palace Moore Park
Special series: Wednesday, October 9–Sunday, November 10 at AGNSW

The Dancing Okami Film Partners

The 2024 Japanese Film Festival tours Australia from September–November. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the festival website.

Top image: Studio Ponoc.