#Japan #Tokyo #YIDFF #Apichatpong #Undergrond Orchestra

Unique Documentary Film Series at Tokyo Photographic Art Museum

The Tokyo Photographic Art Museum (TOPMUSEUM) has launched a remarkable documentary film series known as "TOP x Yamagata Documentary Film Library," which commenced in July this year. This series presents a unique opportunity to explore an array of exceptional documentaries, primarily sourced from the Yamagata Documentary Film Library.

The Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival (YIDFF), held biannually in Yamagata City, is renowned as Asia's largest documentary film festival. This prestigious festival showcases a variety of exceptional documentary films, particularly through two competitive sections: the "International Competition" and "Asia Vision." The TOPMUSEUM will be focusing on screening lesser-known past works from the Yamagata Documentary Film Library, providing a delightful chance for film enthusiasts to revisit these films on a larger scale.

The screenings will be taking place in the museum's first-floor hall, utilizing state-of-the-art projection systems designed for 16mm and 35mm film formats. This initiative is geared towards delivering a rich cinematic experience to all attendees. Although the screening schedule will be irregular, the museum intends to feature a rotating selection of films, thus enhancing our appreciation of documentary cinema.

For the July and August schedule, two captivating works are slated for screening:

"Mysterious Object at Noon"

• - Director: Apichatpong Weerasethakul
• - Country: Thailand
• - Year: 2000
• - Language: Thai
• - Format: Black & White, 35mm (1:1.85)
• - Duration: 83 minutes
• - Subtitles: Japanese & English

In this captivating film, a film crew travels from the northern to the southern parts of Thailand, collaborating with street vendors, young elephant caregivers, and traditional theater performers to weave stories. The film showcases a relay-style storytelling method that evolves in an unpredictable manner, creating a captivating blend of reality and imagination. It marks the feature directorial debut of the acclaimed filmmaker, Apichatpong Weerasethakul, bringing experimental spirit into Thai cinema.

"Underground Orchestra"

• - Director: Eddy Haym
• - Country: Netherlands
• - Year: 1997
• - Languages: French, Romanian, Spanish
• - Format: Color, 35mm (1:1.66)
• - Duration: 115 minutes
• - Subtitles: Japanese & English

"Underground Orchestra" unveils the lives of musicians in Paris who perform in metro stations and street corners, often under the harsh realities of political asylum and illegal immigration. The film eloquently captures the beauty of their music—from classical to chanson and R&B—while highlighting their arduous lives. The director, Eddy Haym, shares his eye-opening experience of initially planning to film underground but eventually taking it to the surface due to permission issues. His warm portrayal of these musicians left a significant mark on the audience.



Both films, which will be screened in 35mm, offer a rare chance to indulge in incredible storytelling and are not to be missed. The ticket price is set at 1,200 yen, although this may vary depending on the screened work. For detailed information regarding the screening schedule, and other updates, guests are encouraged to visit the official TOPMUSEUM website, where announcements will be systematically released.

In addition to the screenings, special activities such as guided tours of the projection room are also planned for attendees in the future. Stay tuned for an enriching and dynamic documentary experience at Tokyo Photographic Art Museum!