Galway audiences will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of Japanese cinema this April, as the Japanese Film Festival Ireland returns with a series of screenings at Eye Cinema.
Now in its 17th year, the nationwide festival will run from April 8 to 30, bringing 17 films to venues across the country. In Galway, screenings are scheduled from April 15 to 18, forming part of a broader programme spanning 10 counties.
The Galway leg of the festival will feature a mix of contemporary releases, award-winning titles and classic films, reflecting the diversity of modern Japanese cinema. Among the highlights in this year’s overall line-up is A Pale View of Hills, based on the novel by Kazuo Ishiguro, which will screen in multiple locations nationwide.
Newer releases include How Dare You?, a climate-focused comedy-drama. Audiences can also expect a selection of genre films, from thrillers to sci-fi, alongside anime screenings and retrospectives of classic works.
The festival is organised by the Embassy of Japan in Ireland and access>CINEMA, and remains the only film festival of its kind to tour multiple locations nationwide.
Speaking about the upcoming festival H.E. Mr MIYAGAWA Manabu, Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, said: “In my first year as Ambassador of Japan to Ireland, I am delighted to see this annual event going so strong.
“This year will see Japanese films screened in 12 different locations across 10 counties in Ireland, and we hope this will only continue to increase as more Irish filmgoers attend.”
Maeve Cooke, director of access>CINEMA, said, “This year’s line-up includes a wide selection of films, and we hope there’s something for everyone to enjoy and discover. Whether you’re looking for acclaimed dramas, pulpy thrills or new and classic anime, we’re looking forward to welcoming JFF regulars and newcomers alike to cinemas across Ireland throughout April.”
While the programme opens in Dublin on April 8, Galway is one of several regional stops aimed at widening access to international cinema outside of Japan.
Full listings and ticket information for the Galway screenings are available through the festival website and the Eye Cinema box office.
