Nippon Docs

“Based on a true story” – this slogan, often used to advertise fictional films, is self-evident for documentaries. Yet, documentary filmmakers can use numerous methods to approach reality and unfold their narratives. Our new program section NIPPON DOCS presents a variety of forms and contents: tentative explorations, intimate observations, critical commitment. Dealing with such topics as the consequences of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, minority rights, or the aging of Japanese society, the directors give proof of the aesthetic potential of their genre. A panel discussion will shed light on the current situation of Japanese documentary, with a special regard to international co-productions.

The films of the NIPPON DOCS section will participate in the competitions of the NIPPON VISIONS section. Selected documentaries will be screened in cinemas in the Rhein-Main region.

The section NIPPON DOCS is supported by Kulturfonds Frankfurt RheinMain.

Danchi Woman

  • Director: Akiko SUGIMOTO
  • Japan 2017, Blu-ray, 66 min, Japanese with English subtitles
  • European premiere in the presence of the producer Seiko KATO
  • Competition Nippon Visions Jury Award and Nippon Visions Audience Award
  • Supporting film: JOHNNY JEANA: PORTRAIT OF A TOKYO ROCKABILLY by James Partridge
  • Friday, June 1, 17:30 Naxoshalle Kino

Details

Exclusive Screening by NHK World-Japan

  • Tsuruko’s Tea Journey
  • by Keiko MATSUDA
  • Japan 2016, Blu-ray, 49 min, Japanese with English subtitles
  • Friday, June 1, 12:30 Mousonturm Studio 1
  • Living Ninja Legend
  • by Fuyuhiko NISHI
  • Japan 2016, Blu-ray, 49 min, engl. OF
  • Friday, June 1, 18:00 Mousonturm Studio 1
  • Kurara: The Dazzling Life of Hokusai’s Daughter
  • by Taku KATO
  • Japan 2017, Blu-ray, 73 min, Japanese with English subtitles
  • Saturday, June 2, 20:00 Naxos Atelier

Details

A Free Man

  • 自由人
    Jiyujin
  • Director, camera & world sales: Andreas Hartmann
  • Japan / Germany 2017, DCP, 75 min, Japanese with English subtitles
  • In presence of the director
  • Tuesday, May 29, 22:15 Naxoshalle Kino

Details

Inland Sea

  • 港町
    Minatomachi
  • Director & camera: Kazuhiro SODA
  • Japan / USA 2018, DCP, 122 min, Japanese with English subtitles
  • Friday, June 1, 12:30 Naxoshalle Kino

Details

Japan Institute of the Moving Image: Short Docs

  • The Road He Walks: A Story of He-Kun
    ひいくんの歩く町
    Hiikun no aruku machi
  • Director: Taku AOYAGI
  • Japan 2017, Blu-ray, 47 min, Japanese with English subtitles
  • International premiere in the presence of the director, the cinematographer, and of the lecturer and producer Takaharu YASUOKA
  • Crossing Road
    交差
    Kosa
  • Director: Hayato OBIKI
  • Japan 2015, Blu-ray, 44 min, Japanese with English subtitles
  • European premiere in the presence of the director
  • Saturday, June 2, 12:30 Naxoshalle Kino

Details

Love and Wolbachia

  • 恋とボルバキア
    Koi to borubakia
  • Director, camera & world sales: Sayaka ONO
  • Japan 2017, Blu-ray, 94 min, Japanese with English subtitles
  • International premiere in the presence of the director
  • Competition Nippon Visions Jury Award and Nippon Visions Audience Award
  • Tuesday, May 29, 19:45 Naxoshalle Kino

Details

Of Love & Law

  • Director: Hikaru TODA
  • Japan / UK / France 2017, DCP, 94 min, Japanese with English subtitles
  • German premiere in the presence of the director and of the cutter and associate producer Takeshi HATA
  • Competition Nippon Visions Jury Award and Nippon Visions Audience Award
  • Saturday, June 2, 19:45 Naxoshalle Kino

Details

Ramen Heads

  • ラーメンヘッズ
  • Director: Koki SHIGENO
  • Japan 2017, DCP, 93 min, Japanese with English subtitles
  • German premiere
  • Competition Nippon Visions Jury Award and Nippon Visions Audience Award
  • Friday, June 1, 20:00 Naxos Atelier (Nippon Film Dinner)
  • Saturday, June 2, 14:00 Mal Seh’n Kino

Details

Trace of Breath

  • 息の跡
    Iki no ato
  • Director & camera: Haruka KOMORI
  • Japan 2017, Blu-ray, 93 min, Japanese with English subtitles
  • German premiere in the presence of the director and of the producer Takeshi HATA
  • Competition Nippon Visions Jury Award and Nippon Visions Audience Award
  • Thursday, May 31, 14:30 Naxoshalle Kino

Details

Zen and Bones

  • 禅と骨
    Zen to hone
  • Director: Takayuki NAKAMURA
  • Japan 2016, Blu-ray, 126 min, Japanese with English subtitles
  • European premiere in the presence of the director and of the producer Kaizo HAYASHI
  • Thursday, May 31, 17:00 Naxoshalle Kino

Details