The Japan Foundation Manila has brought back the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) to Philippine theaters this October, featuring a lineup of 12 films that mix beloved classics with acclaimed new releases.
Screenings are ongoing at SM Cinema Manila until Oct. 26, with free admission for all viewers.
First held in 1997, JFF has evolved into one of the most anticipated film festivals in the country, attracting approximately 40,000 attendees annually. It is now regarded as the largest Japanese film festival in the world.
This year’s theme, “Bridg(e)ing,” highlights films that connect the past and future, humans and technology, body and spirit, and personal stories with collective experiences.
The festival opened with a 4K remaster of Love Letter (1995), Shunji Iwai’s acclaimed debut and one of Japan’s most celebrated romantic films. Other titles include Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1956), the animated classic Ghost in the Shell (1995), Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away (2001), A Samurai in Time (2024), the live-action Cells at Work! (2024), and Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Freedom (2024).
The JFF regional screenings began at SM City Baguio, followed by SM City Cebu, SM Lanang, and SM City Clark before returning to Manila for its final leg at the UP Film Institute and SM City Manila.
JFF 2025 is supported by the Film Development Council of the Philippines, JTI Philippines, Theo and Philo Artisan Chocolates, SM Cinema, and the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.
Full schedules and details are available on the official website japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph and on @jfmanila social media pages.
