Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2016 (Wales)

• 24th – 25th September 2016 at ‘Chapter’, Cardiff
• 18th October 2016 at Taliesin Arts Centre, Swanswea University
• 29th October 2016 at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre

The Kotatsu festival – the largest festival of Japanese animation in Wales – returns for its sixth year, bringing with it an expansive and varied line-up of films, cultural activities such as manga workshops for children, as well as music, a Japanese market place, and raffles with some prizes signed by animation producer Michihiko Suwa.

At ‘Chapter’ on the morning of the 24th, Keiichi Hara’s award-winning film “Miss Hokusai” (a tale set in 19th century Japan) will be shown, followed by a contemporary story supported by two girls’ touching friendship – ”The Murder Case of Hana and Alice” (Shunji Iwai, picture of film shown above). Tetsuko turns to dance to find comfort away from bullying at school and then learns of an alleged murder. She embarks on a series of wild escapades with her shy neighbour, Hana, who seems to be able to solve the mystery.

The artist Asuka Bochenska Tanaka will run a manga workshop for children, and at 5:30pm there is a special concert, where Japanese musician Kina Miyamoto will combine a short film and her piano composition.

In addition, at 6:20pm the ‘Genius Party + Kotatsu Shorts Programme” will take place – Genius Party is a collection of films, all of which are very diverse, from some of the leading names in Japanese animation (Masaaki Yuasa, Shinichiro Watanabe). Short films from independent/student animators will also be screened around ‘Genius Party’, and popular sci-fi adventure continuation “Psycho-Pass the Movie” ends the day.

Sunday 25th begins with ”Anthem of the Heart”, a drama by experienced directors Tatsuyuki Nagai and Mari Okada. The children’s manga workshop will take place again. Throughout the day, more films (“Empire of Corpses”, “Harmony” and “Project Itoh”) will be shown. Manga, food and video games will also be available to buy.

 

18th October – Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea University

19:30 “Miss Hokusai”

29th October–Aberystwyth Arts Centre

10:40 Genius Party ＋Kotatsu Shorts Programme

13:10 “The Murder Case of Hana & Alice”

15:20 “Harmony”

17:45 Raffle Prizes

18:00 “Psycho-Pass The Movie”

 

More info: http://kotatsufestival.com/