Japanese Film Festival 2025: A Bridge Between Worlds

Get ready, cinephiles! The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) is back in the Philippines, bringing a fantastic lineup of 12 films to cities across the country from September 18 to October 26. The best part? Admission is completely free! Since its start in 1997, the JFF has grown into one of the most anticipated film events in the Philippines, attracting tens of thousands of moviegoers each year. This year's festival is themed "Bridg(e)ing," showcasing films that connect different worlds—from the past to the future, humans to technology, and individual stories to community experiences. It’s a theme that encourages us to build connections rather than walls.

Since its start in 1997, the JFF has grown into one of the most anticipated film events in the Philippines, attracting tens of thousands of moviegoers each year. This year's festival is themed "Bridg(e)ing," showcasing films that connect different worlds—from the past to the future, humans to technology, and individual stories to community experiences. It’s a theme that encourages us to build connections rather than walls.

What’s Showing?

This year's curated selection offers something for everyone, whether you're a fan of classic cinema or modern blockbusters.

The festival kicks off with the 4K remaster of Love Letter (1995), a stunning romance directed by Shunji Iwai. If you've never seen it, this is your chance to experience a film celebrated for its beautiful snowy landscapes and the unforgettable line, "Ogenki desu ka?" ("How are you?"). Its influence can even be seen in the new Taiwan-Japan co-production 18×2 Beyond Youthful Days (2024), which is also part of the festival.

Other must-see films include:

Seven Samurai (1956), a timeless masterpiece from legendary director Akira Kurosawa.
Ghost in the Shell (1995), the iconic animated sci-fi cult classic.
Spirited Away (2001), the enchanting animated film from Studio Ghibli's Hayao Miyazaki.
A Samurai in Time (2024), a brand-new cinematic adventure.
The live-action adaptation of the popular manga series Cells at Work! (2024).
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED FREEDOM (2024), perfect for any anime fan.

Catch the Festival in Cebu!

While the festival starts in Manila on September 18 at Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema, the fun is coming to the regions too! The JFF will be at SM City Cebu starting on September 26. Don’t miss your chance to see these films on the big screen. The festival will also make stops in Baguio, Davao, and Angeles before returning to Manila.

This year, the JFF is also expanding with JFF Special Screenings @ Universities in November, bringing films directly to campuses in the Visayas and Mindanao.

For all the details, including the full schedules and screening venues, be sure to visit the official JFF 2025 website (https://japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph/) or follow @jfmanila on Facebook and Instagram. Get ready to enjoy some incredible Japanese cinema!