#Japan #Tokyo #Pedro Costa #Tokyo Photographic Art Museum #Inner Visions

Celebrating 30 Years of Tokyo Photographic Art Museum

From November 27 to December 7, the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum will commemorate its 30th anniversary with a special film series titled "Pedro Costa Inner Visions." This event marks the first major exhibition by esteemed Portuguese director Pedro Costa (1958–) at a museum in Tokyo, showcasing a collection of films that traces the evolution of his work from early pieces to his recent masterpieces.

During this period, visitors can enjoy 11 curated screenings, featuring key films from Costa's impressive body of work. The screenings will take place in the museum's first-floor hall and will include unique films such as "Blood," "Cavern House," "Bones," and other notable titles. Additionally, guests can look forward to engaging after-talks with a variety of guests, including Pedro Costa himself, who will participate online.

Highlights of the Film Series

The film series will showcase the following key works:

1. Blood (1989) - A 4K restored version of Costa's debut feature, this film tells the story of a young man named Vincent, who struggles with the weight of his father's past while also grappling with debts owed by his family. The film features a noir aesthetic that captivates viewers through its striking visuals.

2. Cavern House (1994) - This film follows nurse Mariana as she accompanies an unconscious man from Lisbon back to his homeland of Cape Verde, capturing the poignant connection between mortality and community.

3. Bones (1997) - A powerful exploration of the harsh realities faced by the marginalized, this film revolves around a woman named Tina returning to a slum in Lisbon where her life becomes intertwined with the lives of others navigating hardship.

4. Vanda's Room (2000) - A revolutionary work shot with a handheld camera, it focuses on the people living in a neighborhood on the brink of destruction, exploring themes of loss and resilience amidst urban redevelopment.

5. Where Is Your Smile Hidden? (2001) - Documenting the unique collaborative process between filmmakers Jean-Marie Straub and Danièle Huillet, this piece interweaves the couple's artistic endeavors and emotions with their distinct filmmaking philosophy.

6. Colossal Youth (2006) - This film juxtaposes the past with the present, following Ventura, a man who traverses between his former slum and new housing developments, on a quest for belonging and identity.

7. Nothing Must Change (2009) - A documentary capturing the artistic journey of actress and singer Jeanne Balibar as she navigates her music career against the backdrop of both rural and urban French settings.

8. Horse Money (2014) - Returning once again to the voice of Ventura, this film combines the threads of personal and national history against the backdrop of migration and memory through a unique narrative style.

9. Vitalina (2019) - This tale follows a woman who arrives in Lisbon from Cape Verde, hoping to reunite with a husband who has passed away, conveying a powerful story of loss and perseverance.

The series also features short films, including segments that reflect on familial ties and historical narratives pertinent to Cape Verde and Portugal.

Ticket Information

Tickets for the screenings range in price, with general admission set at ¥1,800, and various discounts available for seniors, students, and people with disabilities. There will be a special offer for those with an exhibition ticket for a discount on film admission.

Visitors are encouraged to explore further details regarding the film schedule and guest talks on the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum’s official website. Don't miss this opportunity to celebrate a significant milestone in the museum's history and immerse yourself in the poignant cinematic worlds crafted by Pedro Costa.