Japanese Film Festival brings free screenings to Iloilo

ILOILO CITY – Japanese cinema returns to Iloilo City as the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) 2026 brings a selection of acclaimed films, beloved classics and animation to SM City Iloilo from Nov. 6 to 15, offering moviegoers a glimpse into Japan’s rich storytelling traditions and contemporary culture.

Organized by the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM), the festival celebrates the enduring friendship between the Philippines and Japan through films that explore shared experiences, cultural traditions and universal human emotions.

This year’s theme, “Shared Treasure. Shared Stories.”, highlights the films, traditions, memories and experiences that connect people across borders and generations.

The festival also marks two significant milestones: the 70th anniversary of the normalization of Philippine-Japan diplomatic relations and the 30th anniversary of the Japan Foundation, Manila.

The Philippines and Japan normalized diplomatic relations on July 23, 1956, laying the foundation for seven decades of cooperation in trade, education, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Running nationwide from Oct. 1 to Nov. 29, JFF 2026 features screenings across six cities and eight venues, continuing JFM’s efforts to make Japanese cinema accessible to audiences beyond Metro Manila.

In partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, the festival offers free screenings, providing Filipino moviegoers with opportunities to discover the diversity and appeal of Japanese filmmaking.

The Iloilo leg features a curated selection of 11 films from the festival’s broader 16-film nationwide lineup, showcasing contemporary dramas, cinematic classics and animated features that resonate across generations.

Among the festival’s highlights is “Kokuho,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lee Sang-il, whose previous works include the award-winning “Hula Girls,” also featured in this year’s lineup.

Set in the demanding and deeply traditional world of kabuki theater, “Kokuho” explores ambition, friendship, rivalry, family and sacrifice through the lives of performers pursuing artistic excellence.

Following its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the movie earned widespread critical acclaim and multiple honors at the 49th Japan Academy Film Prize.

Its major awards included Picture of the Year, Director of the Year for Lee Sang-il, and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for Ryo Yoshizawa.

The festival’s selection also introduces audiences to the works of some of Japan’s most influential filmmakers, offering a cinematic journey through different periods, genres and storytelling styles.

Among the featured classics is Akira Kurosawa’s “Throne of Blood,” a landmark Japanese film that reimagines William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” within the world of feudal Japan.

Animation enthusiasts can look forward to Studio Ghibli’s “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind,” directed by Hayao Miyazaki, a celebrated animated adventure exploring humanity’s relationship with nature and the consequences of environmental destruction.

The lineup also includes “Under Ninja,” starring Kento Yamazaki, which brings a contemporary take on Japan’s legendary ninja traditions.

Another featured film is “Tokyo Taxi,” directed by veteran filmmaker Yoji Yamada, which explores human connections and personal memories through an unexpected encounter.

Together, the films offer audiences a broad view of Japanese cinema, combining traditional storytelling, contemporary themes and imaginative filmmaking.

Beyond the screenings, festivalgoers can participate in promotional activities for opportunities to receive freebies and win exclusive JFF 2026 merchandise.

The festival is supported by the Embassy of Japan, SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, JTI Philippines, the Agency for Cultural Affairs of the Government of Japan, the Japan Film Commission, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

Through these partnerships, JFM aims to strengthen cultural exchange and deepen mutual understanding between Filipino and Japanese audiences.

As the Philippines and Japan celebrate 70 years of normalized diplomatic relations, JFF 2026 offers Ilonggos an opportunity to experience the stories, artistic traditions and cultural perspectives that continue to bring the two nations closer.

For the complete film lineup, ratings, screening schedules, ticketing guidelines and venue details, visit the official Japanese Film Festival website at https://japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph/ or follow @jfmanila on Facebook and Instagram.