Eiga Sai and Cinemalaya’s Strong Ties

Posted on July 7, 2019

Keisho Ohno is a world renowned shamisen player. Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Written and photographed

By Jude Thaddeus L. Bautista

The 22^nd edition of Eiga Sai Japanese Film Festival had more pomp and pageantry than usual at the Grand Atrium of Shang Rila Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong last July 3, 2019. Shamisen player Keisho Ohno had a riveting performance as well as a demonstration of Kendo from IGA Kendo Club. RED CARPET cinema in Shang Plaza mall will be presenting the main line up of Japan’s celebrated films from July 4-16, 2019, which will then move on to other venues.

This year’s line up is 17 movies and is expanding to more cities around the country. From the usual Metro Manila, Cebu, Davao, the fest will have a debut in Ilo ilo, Legazpi, Pangasinan, and Tacloban.

from left: ANA Manila GM Akihiro Hosoya, Japan Emb Minister & Consul Gen. Atsushi Kuwabara, Phil Film Export Service Exec Dir. David Fabros, Japan Foundation Dir. Hiroaki Uesugi, CCP VP & Cinemalaya Festival Dir. Chris Millado, Shamisen player Keisho Ohno, Shang Plaza EVP & GM Lala Fojas, Hitachi Phil GM Mitsushiko Shimizu and Mitsubishi Corp GM Keiichi Matsunaga. Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Screening venues are scheduled in Metro Manila– RED CARPET CINEMA, Shang rila Plaza Mall (July 3-14), Tacloban– Robinson’s Place Tacloban (July 18-21), Naga– SM City Naga (July 18-21) , Bacolod – SM City Bacolod (July 25-28), Davao– Abreeza Mall Davao (August 1-4), Cultural Center of the Philippines (August 2-11), Pangasinan – SM City Rosales Pangasinan (August 8-11), Cine Adarna UPFI (August 14-17), Cebu – Ayala Center Cebu (August 15-18) and Gateway Cineplex Cubao (August 22-25).

2 Guest Directors

Japan Foundation Director Hiroaki Uesugi charmed audiences with his fluency in Filipino during his speech, “Maraming salamat sa pagdating sa pagbubukas ng Eiga Sai Japanese Film Festival. Malaking karangalan at kasiyahan na ihatid sa inyo ang bagong Japanese films.”

Japan Foundation Dir. Hiroaki Uesugi;Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

He was very delighted to announce that two prominent film directors from Japan will be sharing their work and ideas with filmmakers and the public here in Manila. First is award winning filmmaker Katsumi Nojiri who will be presenting his work LYING TO MOM during a screening on August 3, 2019 at the CCP. The screening is part of the Asian section of the Cinemalaya film festival. Nojiri earned the SPLASH award at the 31^st Tokyo International Film Festival.

The second director is playwright turned filmmaker Chong Wishing who will be discussing his work YAKINIKU DRAGON after the screening on August 16 & 17 at the UP Film Institute. YAKINIKU DRAGON is about the experience of Korean immigrants who live in Japan. The director happens to be a third generation Korean and the film is an adaptation of his most famous play.

You can visit the armor exhibit by Geisha’s Blade Philippines & Kimono forest where you can take selfies for free. Just make sure to tag: @shangrilaplazaofficial , @shangredcarpet . Share your photos using the hashtags #UnfoldJapanatTheShang , #ExperienceTheShangVibe and get a chance to win a special prize.

Japanese Art & Culture in Shang

The Eiga Sai film festival is only one of many Japanese themed activities in Shang Rila Plaza Mall. Shang EVP and GM Lala Fojas reiterated their commitment for the arts and culture during her speech, “On our own we have organized a keisho kishi or Japanese market in addition to our updated mall décor that transport guests to different beloved Japanese spots such as the Arashimaya bamboo grove and Narra Park Deer Sanctuary and behind you the tori gates. We are always honored that Japan Foundation considers us a very important partner and we are always proud to say that we are staunch advocate of culture and the arts. We are pleased that we continue to find opportunities not only to support initiatives and drive awareness for these but we are pleased to note Japan Foundation considers us our enduring partners towards our shared goals.”

from left: Japan Emb Minister & Consul Gen. Atsushi Kuwabara, Shang Plaza EVP & GM Lala Fojas and Japan Foundation Dir. Hiroaki Uesugi. Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Shang Rila Plaza Mall guests can explore the Katana and Armor exhibit by Geisha’s Blade Philippines Samurai Sword Shop on July 5-7 and July 22-14 in the East Atrium. The Shang patrons will also be treated to a live performance of shamisen player Keisho Ohno known for his fusion of Japanese traditional music and rock on July 6 at the Grand Atrium.

Also on July 6, Shang guests can explore Japanese martial arts with world renowned Tetsutaka Sugawara who will do a demo at the Grand Atrium with the IGA Kendo Club at the East Atrium. Scenic spots like Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Nara Park Deer Sanctuary will be a source of inspiration for the décor. You can also purchase your own kimono and other unique Japanese finds starting July 5 at Level 1, Main Wing.

Tokyo Docs: SUNDAY CINDERELLA

It was Cinemalaya Festival director Chris Millado who was able to discuss the cooperation between them and counterpart organizations in Japan. In his speech he said, “We are happy to announce that we are able to engage and negotiate with TOKYO DOCS a very important documentary film festival based in Tokyo, to come over to Cinemalaya this August to present their films. And two of these films have Filipino themes. Most of you may have heard about SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN. This is a breakthrough film, which won in the Metro Manila Film fest about a few years back. SUNDAY BEAUTY QUEEN was produced under the aegis of TOKYO DOCS with a shorter version called SUNDAY CINDERELLA. For the first time it will be seen here in the Philippines at the Cinemalaya Film Festival.”

CCP VP & Artistic Dir & Cinemalaya Festival Dir. Chris Millado; Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (10)

Screenings are not the only breakthrough; TOKYO DOCS organizers will be present during Cinemalaya to give possible opportunities for Filipino Filmmakers. Millado explained, “The other title will be about young ballroom dancers in Cebu called TINY DANCING FEET. Which will also be screened at the TOKYO DOCS section at the Cinemalaya film fest. The third one is a cycling documentary called CYCLING KAJIMA. The organizers of TOKYO DOCS will be at the film festival to converse, engage and inform documentary filmmakers about the TOKYO DOCS film program which hopes to encourage filmmakers to produce more films and connect them with potential producers who can help them fund their films so they are able to realize their vision.”

AKIRA restaurant’s assorted sushi: tuna, salmon, ebi, kani, tekkamaki, kappamaki, osingko maki. AKIRA is the official caterer of the 22nd Eiga Sai. AKIRA is at the 5th level of Shang Riula Plaza Mall Mandaluyong. Photo by Jude Bautista (11)

Cinemalaya’s NIKKEI PRIZE

Millado was able to give a brief history of the deep relationship with the Japan Foundation whom he credited for a prestigious award. He continued, “My announcement is both a heartfelt thank you to Japan Foundation because this year we are very happy and proud to announce that Cinemalaya was awarded one of the most prestigious trophies in Japan. Cinemalaya was awarded the NIKKEI PRIZE for Asia culture and Community. This was largely because of the efforts of the former director of the Japan Foundation Mr. Ben Suzuki who painstakingly gathered the documents for the nomination. Practically he explained to the selection committee what Cinemalaya was all about.”

from left: Mitsubishi Corp GM Keiichi Matsunaga, Japan Emb Minister & Consul Gen. Atsushi Kuwabara, Phil Film Export Service Exec Dir. David Fabros, Shang Plaza EVP & GM Lala Fojas, Japan Foundation Dir. Hiroaki Uesugi and CCP VP & Cinemalaya Festival Dir. Chris Millado.Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

According to wikipedia, “The Nikkei Asia Prize (Japanese: 日経アジア賞) is an award which recognizes the achievements of people and organizations that have improved the lives of people throughout Asia. The awards were created and presented by Nikkei Inc, one of the largest media corporations in Japan. Launched in 1996, the program honors people in Asia who have made significant contributions in one of the three areas: regional growth; science, technology and innovation; and culture.” Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikkei_Asia_Prize

The official site lauded Chairman Tony Boy Cojuangco: “Cinemalaya Foundation Inc., headed by Mr. Antonio O. Cojuangco, Philippines — Winner for culture and community –This organization, founded by Laurice Guillen, created the country’s first large-scale digital film festival at a time when the global movie industry was still skeptical of the technology. The foundation examines applicants’ outlines and screenplays, provides winners financial assistance to make their films, serves as a producer and offers opportunities for directors to screen their work. Through these endeavors, Cinemalaya has discovered numerous gifted filmmakers.” Link: http://www.nikkei.co.jp/nikkeiinfo/en/news/announcements/525.html

IGA Kendo Club demonstrated the Japanese martial art of kendo. Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

Millado also talked about Centennial of Philippine cinema, “For your information Mr Suzuki is also preparing a whole book documenting Philippine independent cinema, which he hopes to launch here in time for the centennial of Philippine cinema. So as you can see there are many points of connection.”

from left: Japan Emb Minister & Consul Gen. Atsushi Kuwabara, Japan Foundation Dir. Hiroaki Uesugi and Cinemalaya Festival Dir. Chris Millado. Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (14)

Actor Uesugi

Chris was also able to share a little known fact about Japan Foundation director Hiroaki Uesugi, “Cinemalaya, Cultural Center of the Philippines, Eiga Sai and Japan Foundation’s friendship has spanned so many years. Mr Uesugi is witness to this. We do not know him only as the director of the Japan Foundation of the Philippines but also as an actor. He used to act in our stage plays. He acted in the Filipino translation of ROMEO & JULIET. Again this illustrates the deep friendship as well as the creative exchange between our two countries. We hope this friendship continues to enrich the cultural lives and the creative lives of artists both in the Philippines and Japan. We wish to convey our warmest congratulations and best wishes to the 22^nd edition of the Eiga Sai Japan Film Festival. May you have all the audiences cheering and entering the world of imagination that your filmmakers offer that will be screened all over the islands. Maraming Salamat Po! Arigato Gozaimas!”

RED CARPET is the newly designed movie theaters of Shang Rila Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong. It takes viewing and sound experience to a new level. Photo by Jude Bautista

RED CARPET Cinema

RED CARPET is the newly designed movie theaters of Shang Rila Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong. It features plush leather seating that you can push back and recline. Almost like the new Premium Economy seating in Philippine Airlines. The walls and shape of the theater also enhance the sound experience.

Just in case you arrive early and need a place to hang out, there’s a seating area outside the theater designed like a mini amphitheater. There’s a large LED screen where you can view trailers of up and coming titles. You don’t have to pay a single cent to enjoy this new area.

Comfortable Leather seats you can recline like Business class seats in Phil. Airlines at RED CARPET Cinema, Shang Rila Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong. Photo by Jude Bautista

Also there’s a newly renovated snack bar that serves not just popcorn but hot dogs and other food items. If you’re on a tight budget you can buy pizza bread, ham tomato and cheese sandwich from Bread Talk (one level below) which has items that range from as low as P30 to P80 and bring them up to this new snack area. Or if you don’t want to go that far, get a Jamaican Beef Pattie right there (P55) eat them in this new fancy space and feel like a million bucks.

RED CARPET makes going to movies truly a relaxing and enjoyable experience. The problem is once you do experience it you may not want to watch movies anywhere else.

Mini amphitheater for moviegoers at RED CARPET Cinema, Shang Rila Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong. Photo by Jude Bautista

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AKIRA restaurant’s Salmon Sashimi. AKIRA is the official caterer of the 22nd Eiga Sai. AKIRA is at the 5th level of Shang Riula Plaza Mall Mandaluyong. Photo by Jude Bautista (20)

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from left: Mitsubishi Corp GM Keiichi Matsunaga, Japan Emb Minister & Consul Gen. Atsushi Kuwabara, Japan Foundation Dir. Hiroaki Uesugi, Phil Film Export Service Exec Dir. David Fabros, CCP VP & Cinemalaya Festival Dir. Chris Millado and Shang Plaza EVP & GM Lala Fojas. Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (21)

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from left: Japan Emb Minister & Consul Gen. Atsushi Kuwabara, Phil Film Export Service Exec Dir. David Fabros, Japan Foundation Dir. Hiroaki Uesugi, Cinemalaya Festival Dir. Chris Millado, Shamisen player Keisho Ohno, Shang Plaza EVP & GM Lala Fojas, Hitachi Phil GM Mitsushiko Shimizu. Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista (28)

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Shang Plaza EVP & GM Lala Fojas welcomes Mitsubishi Corp GM Keiichi Matsunaga. Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Japan Foundation Dir. Hiroaki Uesugi, Cinemalaya Festival Dir. Chris Millado, Shamisen player Keisho Ohno, Shang Plaza EVP & GM Lala Fojas and Hitachi Phil GM Mitsushiko Shimizu. Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

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from left: Japan Foundation Dir. Hiroaki Uesugi and French Audio Visual Attaché Martin Macalintal. Catch some of the best Japanese films at the 22nd Eiga Sai film fest in RED CARPET Cinemas, Shang Rila Plaza Mall from July 3-14, 2019. Photo by Jude Bautista

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AKIRA restaurant’s Salmon Sashimi. AKIRA is the official caterer of the 22nd Eiga Sai. AKIRA is at the 5th level of Shang Riula Plaza Mall Mandaluyong. Photo by Jude Bautista