Presented by the Japan Foundation, with Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) as the Programming Partner and GSC International Screens as its Cinema Partner, the Japanese Cinema Mini Showcase 2025 will take place from 21–24 February 2025 at GSC Mid Valley Megamall.
Featuring four carefully curated films, this programme highlights the timeless artistry of Japanese storytelling and cinema.
A Collective Vision by the Japan Foundation
The Japanese Cinema Mini Showcase 2025 is an integral part of the Professional Development and Networking Initiative for ASEAN-Japan Film Programmers and Curators program.
This initiative fosters cross-cultural understanding by equipping ASEAN film programmers with the skills to explore, reinterpret, and to share Japanese cinema with their local audiences. After participating in workshops and networking opportunities in Tokyo during the first phase last October, in conjunction with the Tokyo International Film Festival, participants curate Japanese film showcases in their home regions, offering fresh perspectives and fostering deeper connections.
This inaugural programme in Malaysia features Yu Ern CHIA, film programmer for the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), who has selected films that embody her interpretation of Japanese cinema’s essence and significance. The programme aims to deliver an immersive and thoughtful cinematic experience to Malaysian audiences.
With great enthusiasm, the Director of the Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur, TSUKAMOTO Norihisa, expressed his excitement for this special programme:
““Professional Development and Networking Initiative for ASEAN-Japan Film Programmers and Curators” by the Japan Foundation is aimed for young programmers from Southeast Asia and Japan to explore possibilities of film programming and future collaborations. Ms. Yu Ern CHIA was selected as the participant from Malaysia. In that sense, this Mini Showcase can be considered a result of Yu Ern’s efforts and achievements through the program.
We hope that not only Malaysian audiences will enjoy this showcase, but that more talented young programmers will emerge and introduce even more Japanese films to Malaysian audiences in the future.
Enjoy the line-up of this Mini Showcase!”
Love Letter: A Timeless Masterpiece Turns 30
The programme’s highlight is the iconic 30th Anniversary screening of IWAI Shunji’s Love Letter.
First released in 1995, Love Letter has become a landmark in Japanese cinema, renowned for its delicate exploration of love, loss, and memory. Set against the serene, snow-covered landscapes of Hokkaido, the film’s iconic line, “Ogenki desu ka?” (How are you?), continues to touch audiences profoundly, even three decades after its debut.
Reflecting on this special occasion, director IWAI Shunji shared: “Last December, Miho Nakayama passed away and journeyed to heaven. Thirty years ago, we made a movie based on a story about letters to heaven. It has become a mysterious piece of work, continuing to create new fans over the past thirty years, and to this day, we still receive messages from young fans. Please watch this film, Love Letter, and send your message to Miho Nakayama in heaven.”
| Japan Cinema Mini Showcase 2025 | |
| Screening Period: 21 – 24 February 2025 | Venue: GSC Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur |
| Ticket/Admission: RM10/screening. Ticket will be available at GSC Ticketing Kiosks, gsc.com.my, or via the GSC Mobile Apps from 12pm on 17 February. | |
Characters in Bloom: Confession to the Basics of Japanese Cinema
The theme, Characters in Bloom, celebrates the quiet power of character-driven storytelling, a defining hallmark of Japanese cinema. Each film in the showcase invites audiences to journey alongside the protagonists as they navigate deeply personal stories, revealing universal truths about humanity, resilience, and connection.
The showcase’s lineup includes:
| No | Title/Film Info | Introduction |
| 1 | Love Letter 1995 / 117 min / Romance, Drama / 16 | IWAI Shunji’s iconic tale of love and remembrance. |
| 2 | Maborosi (幻の光) 1995 / 110 min / Thriller, Drama / 13 | KORE-EDA Hirokazu’s poignant debut exploring grief and resilience. |
| 3 | A Story of Yonosuke (横道世之介)2012 / 161 min / Drama, Romance / 13 | OKITA Shuichi’s heartwarming celebration of kindness and connection. |
| 4 | Sweet Bean/An (あん)2015 / 109 min / Drama / U | KAWASE Naomi’s tender exploration of unspoken friendship and healing. |
Additional programs:
In conjunction with the film screenings, there will be post-screenings Q&A sessions with the director IWAI Shunji on 21st February followed by a special guest on 22nd February and director OKITA Shuichi on 23 February. As well as special talk programs held at Wayang Budiman and Sunway University.
For further information, please visit https://www.jfkl.org.my/events/jcms-2025/.
