#Japan #Tokyo #Sayuri Yoshinaga #War Memory Film Festival #Yasujiro Yamada

The 15th War Memory and Record Film Festival Celebrates Peace

On August 9, a significant day in history, the 15th "War Memory and Record Film Festival" will be held at Shin-Bungeiza in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. This year marks the 81st anniversary of World War II’s end and aims to honor the memories of those affected by war through a selection of thought-provoking films.

Festival Details

The festival will take place over two days, August 8 and 9, 2026, showcasing a total of four films: "A Postcard," "Flower Tale," "Mother Be Gone," and "Living with Mother." On August 9, coinciding with Nagasaki Day, audiences will be treated to screenings of Yasujiro Yamada's works, "Mother Be Gone" and "Living with Mother," followed by a special talk show featuring the director Yamada and lead actress Sayuri Yoshinaga. This marks a historic first time both icons will appear together on stage at the festival.

Schedule for August 9:

• - 9:40 AM - 12:00 PM: Screening of "Mother Be Gone"
• - 12:30 PM - 2:45 PM: Screening of "Living with Mother"
• - 3:00 PM - 3:35 PM: Talk show on Nagasaki Day featuring Yasujiro Yamada and Sayuri Yoshinaga
• - Moderator: Tamaki Tachibana
• - Ticket Price: 2,600 yen for both screenings and the talk show

This event is co-supported by the production committees of both films.

August 8 Program

The festival will also showcase the late filmmaker Kaneto Shindo's final work, "A Postcard," along with a discussion reflecting on his life's dedication to portraying the human experience of war.

Morning Schedule on August 8:

• - 9:40 AM - 11:40 AM: Screening of "A Postcard"
• - 11:50 AM - 12:35 PM: Talk show "The Indomitable Spirit of Kaneto Shindo" featuring Jiro Shindo, Kaneto’s son and producer of this film.
• - Moderator: Tamaki Tachibana
• - Ticket Price: 1,700 yen for general admission, 1,300 yen with discounts

The afternoon will feature the critically acclaimed "Flower Tale," which portrays the struggle of a woman preserving the beauty of flowers during wartime restrictions. After the screening, actress Keiko Takahashi joins a discussion titled "Flowers are Nourishment for the Heart," moderated by film commentator Tokuyuki Yagami.

Afternoon Schedule on August 8:

• - 1:20 PM - 3:00 PM: Screening of "Flower Tale"
• - 3:10 PM - 3:55 PM: Talk show "Flowers are Nourishment for the Heart" featuring Keiko Takahashi
• - Moderator: Tokuyuki Yagami
• - Ticket Price: 1,700 yen for general admission, 1,300 yen with discounts

A Celebration of 15 Years

This film festival has its roots in 2012, initiated by representative Shiho Mitarai as the Shindo Kaneto Peace Film Festival. Originally focusing on Shindo's works and other cinematic reflections on war and peace, it has grown to become a prominent platform for discussions around memory and healing. In 2020, it was rebranded as the War Memory and Record Film Festival to broaden the scope of films screened and enrich the dialogue for future generations.

Over the years, the festival has welcomed prominent figures in the film industry such as Yasujiro Yamada and Sayuri Yoshinaga, who have shared their perspectives on peace and remembrance.

Looking Ahead: Fundraising for Year 16

As the festival aims for its sixteenth installment in 2027, a crowdfunding initiative has been launched to ensure future sustainability. Film screening fees, venue costs, and guest accommodations present ongoing financial challenges for this small yet meaningful festival, which is driven by a community-focused mission.

Crowdfunding Details:

• - Project Name: Connecting War Memories with Future Generations through Film
• - Goal: 150,000 yen
• - Support Plans: Starting from 3,000 yen with various reward options, including tickets to the 2027 festival and acknowledgment in promotional materials.

A Message from Shiho Mitarai

"Over these 15 years, supported by numerous individuals, we have maintained this humble yet significant venue. Through film, we believe in the power of conversations to foster peace and understanding. As wars and divisions persist globally, we strive to provide moments for quiet reflection on the importance of peace. This festival continues to be a space for passing on the memories of war to future generations through cinema."

For more information or inquiries, reach out to the War Memory and Record Film Festival Committee through its official website: peaceforever.jp.