Special Edition of Japan Film Festival 2024

From 13th September to 12th October 2024, the special edition of the Japan Film Festival 2024 was held at Ster-Kinekor Manda Hill Mall in Lusaka. It was the 14th festival since 2005, and specially held for the second time this year following the 13th edition in February, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Zambia.
 
Four recent Japanese films, including two animations, were screened six times in total at the festival, including earlier screenings at the National Arts Festival on 30th and 31st August. It attracted diverse groups of Zambian audiences of all ages who enjoyed discovering or rediscovering Japan through film cultures.
 
At the official opening of the festival on 13th September, H.E. Mr TAKEUCHI Kazuyuki, Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Zambia, welcomed the audience and expressed his wish that cultural events such as this festival would help to deepen mutual understanding between the two peoples and inspire each other. On behalf of Honourable Elvis Nkandu, M.P., Minister of Tourism, Mr Evans Muhanga, Permanent Secretary, said that various Japanese arts, both traditional and popular, are loved and admired all over the world and that Zambia is no exception. He expressed Zambia's appreciation for Japan's support in the field of culture, including the upgrading of the Livingstone Museum.
 
Click here to read the Ambassador’s speech at the Official Opening.