#Japan #Tokyo #Film Festival #Kineko Film #Children's Cinema

The 32nd Kineko International Film Festival

The Kineko International Film Festival, organized by Kineko Film, will take place from October 31 to November 4, 2025, in various locations around the scenic Futako-Tamagawa area in Tokyo. This prestigious festival, which started in 1992 with the support of the Berlin International Film Festival's children's film section, has grown into one of Asia's largest international film festivals for children, celebrating its 32nd iteration this year.

This year, the festival will present a rich selection of films, screening a total of 67 films divided into 24 programs, including 51 competition pieces and 16 special screenings, all selected from around 700 entries from around the world. Of particular note are the 17 works chosen for the long feature and documentary competition categories, showcasing a diverse array of films that not only entertain but also challenge viewers—both young and adult—exploring vital social issues through the lens of children's experiences.

A Wide Range of Themes: From Fantasy to Social Issues

The long feature competition is segmented into two categories: the Children’s Long Feature Film section, aimed at elementary school students, and the Teens Long Feature Film section, targeted at audiences aged 13 and older. Among the exciting offerings is the Polish film "Diplo-Kai-Kai: The Dinosaur and Me," a blend of live action and animation that takes audiences into a beautifully imaginative world. Another notable entry is the German blockbuster, "Ida and the Magical Animal Academy 3," which promises entertainment for viewers of all ages. In stark contrast, the Kenyan film "Nawi: To My Future Me" wrestles with the serious issue of child marriage, while the nuanced film "Summer Camera Days" handles the complexities of teenage same-sex love. Each of these films provides an opportunity for deep reflection on societal issues, with most of them set to make their Japanese debut during the festival.

Captivating Documentaries: Authentic Stories from Amidst Conflict

In the Documentary section, viewers are invited to witness a poignant portrayal of youth living in conflict zones with the film "We Won’t End." This documentary focuses on five teenagers struggling with the realities of life in the Donbas region of Ukraine, blending their personal narratives with broader socio-political commentary. Similarly, "Girls Don’t Cry" sheds light on the lives of girls from six different countries facing various hardships such as abuse and poverty. The documentary showcases their resilience and offers global audiences a window into the challenges faced by young women today.

Current Standout Features in Children's Film

Five standout films from the Children’s Long Feature Film category include:

1. "Rampos: The Traveling Puppy" (Poland) - A touching story of friendship between a young girl with a severe heart condition and her pet puppy, which deftly balances gravity with a hopeful tone.
2. "The Gnomes: A New Beginning" (Poland) - This film delicately portrays a girl’s growth while facing the emotional challenges of childhood loneliness.
3. "Ordinary Kids" (Japan) - It captures the innocent yet complex emotions of a ten-year-old boy, offering a poignant take on childhood dilemmas.
4. "Chikuwa-chan!" (Japan) - A heartwarming adventure story about two brothers discovering their potential through summer activities in their hometown.
5. "Across the River" (China) - This film chronicles the journey of two siblings traversing the stunning Tibet landscapes in search of their mother with whom they were separated.

The festival will not only offer entertainment but will also serve as an educational platform, providing an avenue for important conversations between children and their parents following film screenings.

Conclusion

As anticipation builds for the 32nd Kineko International Film Festival, cinephiles and families alike are encouraged to partake in this unique cultural event. With affordable ticket prices and even special donation tickets that contribute to future initiatives for children in film, the festival seeks to engage the community in supporting its overarching mission: to celebrate cinema's role in the development of young minds. For those wishing to attend, tickets will be available starting October 15 on the official website.