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The Japan Croatia Film Festival 2025: Celebration of Culture and Cinema

The Japan Croatia Film Festival 2025 is scheduled to take place in November at Morc Asagaya, Tokyo, as part of a larger cultural exchange initiative between Japan and Croatia. This highly anticipated film event, hosted by the Japan Croatia Association with the support of the Croatian Embassy, aims to strengthen ties between the two nations through their rich cinematic traditions.

Showcasing Diverse Croatian Cinema

Croatian cinema has gained significant recognition in recent years, praised for its unique humor and sharp social insights. This year’s festival will feature eight films, including both feature-length and short films. The lineup will comprise local hits as well as acclaimed works that have made waves at international film festivals, offering audiences a comprehensive taste of the vibrant Croatian film scene.

Engaging Events and Cultural Experiences

Running daily from November 16, the festival promises enriching talk sessions following the film screenings, where attendees can delve into the thematic essence and narrative styles of Croatian films. These sessions will explore the cultural nuances and cinematic artistry that define Croatian cinema. Additionally, there will be mini-talks focused on Japanese filmmaking, promoting cross-cultural discussion.

Noteworthy guests, including anime producer Hiroshi Ogino and renowned image producers and journalists like Yukihiro Ishikawa, are set to participate. Their insights will contribute significantly to the discussions around film production in both Japan and Croatia.

Special Events Schedule

Festival attendees can purchase tickets through the dedicated reservation site for Morc Asagaya. Special weekend events will be hosted at Café Tenin Karakusa, located just a two-minute walk from the venue.

• - November 14 (Fri) 17:00 - Opening Ceremony and Screening
• - November 14 (Fri) 19:30 - Opening Reception
• - November 16 (Sun) 14:00 - Mini-talk with actress and singer Izumi Yamaguchi
• - November 22 (Sat) 14:00 - Talk with Hiroshi Yoshino, Executive Producer of the film The Resonating Spirit: Hōkiichi Tanaka
• - November 23 (Sun) 14:00 - Talk with filmmaker and photographer Yūshi Nukui
• - November 24 (Mon, Holiday) 14:00 - Mini-performance by pianist Tomohiro Adachi

In addition, a myriad of cultural figures, including film producers and actors, are expected to participate in various panels and discussions throughout the festival.

Immersive Croatian Cultural Exhibition

A special exhibition will also be held at Café Tenin Karakusa during the festival. This exhibition aims to engage visitors' senses with a curated collection that showcases Croatian culture. A highlight of this display will feature a rare collection of Disney memorabilia, significant for its unique history tied to Croatia.

In 1960, the Biserka company based in Zagreb became the first licensed Disney toy manufacturer outside the United States. This initiative was marked by exceptional designs created by Walt Disney himself, resulting in distinctive characters like Mickey Mouse in trousers and a cowboy Goofy. After Biserka ceased operations in 1992, Tony Politeo, who resided in Croatia, preserved a significant collection from the factory, which now serves as a testament to the intertwined history of Croatia and Disney.

Additionally, culinary enthusiasts can look forward to sampling Croatian truffle products, along with other local goods and delicacies available for purchase, allowing festival-goers to indulge in the tastes, culture, and history of Croatia alongside the cinematic offerings.

Closing Thoughts from Organizers

The festival aims to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of Croatian culture among Japanese audiences, bridging cultural gaps through the universal language of film. As Edward Katayama Trpiković, director of the Japan Croatia Association, notes: We hope that this festival will provide an opportunity for the audience to deeply experience the charm of Croatia through film. Movies have the power to transcend borders and connect hearts.

Festival Overview

• - Event Name: Japan Croatia Film Festival 2025
• - Dates: November 14 (Fri) - 27 (Thu), 2025
• - Location: Morc Asagaya, 2 Chome-12-19 Asagayakita, Suginami, Tokyo
• - Organizer: Japan Croatia Association
• - Patrons: Croatian Embassy in Japan, Japan Croatia Music Association
• - Supported by: Shizutetsu Store, Universal Vision, and various tourist boards

For tickets and inquiries regarding the festival, please contact Morc Asagaya at TEL03-5327-3725 or visit the official website for further information: Japan Croatia Film Festival Official Site