Taking inspiration from Charlie Chaplin’s famous quote “Life is a desire, not a meaning”, the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2017 features an all-encompassing introduction to Japanese cinema through the prism of “desires, hopes and impulses”. Presenting films by established and up-and-coming directors, this year’s programme promises to not only entertain but also provide a vivid insight into what drives human action.

PALE MOON

Ordinary housewife and bank employee Rika (Rie Miyazawa) turns to a life of crime by embezzling money from clients’ accounts in order to please her young lover. A mischievous dark drama adapted from the bestselling novel by Mitsuyo Kakuta. The film won Best Actress at the 2015 Japanese Academy Awards and the Audience Award and Best Actress following its world premiere at the 2014 Tokyo International Film Festival.

Recommended age 15+

Also screening:

THE MOHICAN COMES HOME (plus director Q&A)

TSUKIJI WONDERLAND

A SPARKLE OF LIFE

With more to come in March.