San Francisco Public Library Presents Japanese Culture in Japanese Animation

The International Center of the San Francisco Public Library
in association with the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco presents

Japanese Culture in Japanese Animation

Sunday, July 1, 2007

1—4:30 p.m.

Koret Auditorium, Main Library, Lower Level

Millennium Actress (2001; In Japanese with subtitles.)

Director Satoshi Kon has paid a wondrous homage to Japanese films in the form of an interview gone unusual. In this film, a documentary filmmaker visits a famous actress who retired at the height of her career. As they speak, they, and the cameraman, are transported back to the early 1930s when she started her career, to the movies she played roles in and the events Japan went through during the years of the war and the peace that followed it. Kon is very much an auteur whose movies not only reflect his vision of storytelling but delight and at times, confuse the audience. However, the confusion is intentional on the part of the director and is very enjoyable to the viewer. There will be an introduction by Gilles Poitras, a writer specializing in Japanese animation, who will cover some of the Japanese cultural elements in the film. Afterwards, there will be a question and answer session.

1—2 p.m.—Introduction

2—3:30 p.m.—Film Screening

3:30—4:30 p.m.—Q & A Session

All programs at the Library are free.

Supported by the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco

Main Library 100 Larkin St. (at Grove) (415) 557-4277 www.sfpl.orga

Public transporation

BART: all trains

MUNI: F, J, K, L, M, N, T, 5, 6, 7, 9, 19, 21, 26, 47, 49, 71

Original PDF file at http://www.koyagi.com/Actress.pdf