Nausicaa at 15th annual Environmental Film Festival
The Japan Information and Culture Center, Embassy of Japan
Presents:
As part of the 15th annual Environmental Film Festival
March 15th and 22nd, 6:00 pm
In the JICC Auditorium
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind: One thousand years after the “Seven Days of Fire,†an event that destroyed human civilization and most of the Earth’s original ecosystem, scattered human settlements survive. They are isolated from one another by the “Sea of Corruption,†a lethally toxic jungle of fungus swarming with giant insects that come together to wage war. Nausicaä is a charming young princess of the peacefull Valley of the Wind who is humane and peace-loving but also a skillful fighter noted for her empathy toward animals and humans. The Valley of the Wind becomes threatened when two rival states, Pejite and Tolmekia, battle to possess the “God Warrior,†a lethal giant bioweapon, that has landed in the Valley, and the fighting escalates out of control. The story holds a deeper meaning beyond war, however. Even the insects seem to be working toward some secret harmony and the lethal fungal forest seems to have a vital role in Earth’s new dominant ecosystem. As she helps prisoners, villagers, enemies and mutant insects, Princess Nausicaä becomes a Joan of Arc figure- a warrior maiden inspired by a vision to defend all life against destruction. Directed, written and illustrated by Hayao Miyazaki. Produced by Rick Dempsey and Isao Takahata. Original release, Japan 1984. 116 minutes In English Reccomended for children 10 years and older. Supported by the DC Anime Club.
The film will be introduced by Mr. Tom Vick, Tom Vick is the film programmer for the Freer and Sackler Galleries of the Smithsonian Institution. His book, ASIAN CINEMA: A FIELD GUIDE will be published by HarperCollins Publishers in 2008
