Japanese Film Festival
2022 Festival Team
Yurika Sugie (Director)
Susan Bui (Programmer)
Simonne Goran (Programmer)
Chiara Pallini (Programmer)
Manisay Oudomvilay (Programmer)
History and Background
The Japanese Film Festival Australia (JFF) is presented by The Japan Foundation, Sydney. The JFF started in 1997 with three free film screenings and is now one of the largest celebrations of Japanese films in the world.
In 2021, the Festival celebrated its 25th year with an audience of over 70,000 in-person and online Australia-wide. The Festival has enjoyed great success over the years, with the opportunity to showcase a vast variety of cinematic delights from 35mm film prints to newly released titles currently screening in Japan. JFF brings out special guests from Japan and Australia for Q&A evenings and film screenings, as well as programs events for audiences to enjoy Japanese traditional and pop culture.
JFF Australia is part of JFF Asia-Pacific Platform initiated by The Japan Foundation Head Office based in Tokyo. This initiative aims to support and grow interest in Japanese films and cinema culture throughout the Asia-Pacific region, including Australia.
Presenting Body
The Japan Foundation, Sydney is the Australian arm of The Japan Foundation, a non-profit cultural organisation which was established by the Japanese government to promote cultural and intellectual exchange between Japan and other nations. We run a diverse range of programs and events, including exhibitions, talk events, grant programs and Japanese language courses.
Located in Sydney’s Central Park, The Japan Foundation Gallery exhibits Japan-related works throughout the year, from traditional through to contemporary pieces. Our library collection holds over 17,000 Japan-related items and provides a quiet reading and learning space overlooking Chippendale Green.
The Japan Foundation, Sydney consists of three key departments: Arts and Culture, Japanese Language Education, and Japanese Studies and Intellectual Exchange.
The Japan Foundation was established in 1972 in Tokyo and has expanded to a global network of 25 offices in 24 countries. The Australian office was established in 1978.
