We have three fabulous films for you at Garter Lane Arts Centre this April to celebrate the Japanese Film Festival 2025
Cottontail (2023) – 7:30pm Tues 22nd April
Following the death of his wife Akiko, devastated Kenzaburo is presented with a letter from her requesting that her ashes be scattered at Lake Windermere in England, a place that held precious memories from her childhood. Kenzaburo reluctantly agrees that his estranged son Toshi may accompany him to the other side of the world to fulfil Akiko’s final wish.
A Samurai in Time (2023) – 7:30pm Fri 25th April
Near the end of the Edo period in 19th century Japan, Kosaka Shinzaemon is a samurai preparing for a duel with a rival. However, a freak burst of lightning hits and transports Kosaka to a modern day jidaigeki (period film) set. After a series of on-set hijinks, Kosaka realises he isn’t in the Edo period anymore. As he adjusts to modern life, his talented swordsmanship draws the attention of one of the country’s biggest movie stars.
Ghost Cat Anzu (2024) – 4pm Sat 26th April
Karin, 11 years old, finds herself abandoned by her father in a small Japanese town, where her grandfather, a monk, resides. Her grandfather asks Anzu, his jovial and helpful, although rather capricious, ghostcat, to look after her. As their spirited personalities collide, sparks fly—yet perhaps only in the beginning.
