Join us for CURSED BODIES, a Halloween film series at The Japan Foundation, Toronto!
Last Halloween, we invited award-winning foley artist KOYAMA Goro for a fantastic interactive workshop about making sound effects for films. Goro’s body of work has contributed to many Hollywood films including Barbie, Dune, and Blade Runner 2047, with his Japanese film credits including Parasyte: Part 1 and Part 2, based on the acclaimed manga series of the same name.
Inspired by the “body snatcher” theme from the Parasyte films (available in Blu-Ray/DVD at our library), we are thrilled to screen KUROSAWA Kiyoshi’s unique take on alien invasions with Before We Vanish, and SATO Hajime’s rarely seen 1968 cult horror classic, Goké, Body Snatcher from Hell.
To complete our lineup, we’re opening the series with NAKATA Hideo’s international J-Horror sensation, Ringu, in celebration of SANADA Hiroyuki’s recent historic Emmy Award wins for the record-breaking SHŌGUN series.
October 17 • 22 • 30 • The Japan Foundation, Toronto
All films presented in Japanese with English subtitles
Free Admission • In-Person Screenings • RSVP Required (register below)
Ringu リング
Thursday, October 17, 6:30PM (ET)
Directed by NAKATA Hideo • 1998 • Horror / Thriller • 96 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer
When her niece is found dead along with three friends after viewing a supposedly cursed videotape, reporter Reiko sets out to investigate. She finds the tape, watches it and receives a phone call informing her that she’ll die in a week.
Before We Vanish 散歩する侵略者
Tuesday, October 22, 6:00PM (ET)
Directed by KUROSAWA Kiyoshi • 2017 • Sci-Fi / Thriller • 129 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer
Narumi is on bad terms with her husband, Shinji, when, one day, Shinji goes missing. He comes back a couple of days later, but he seems like a totally different person, and he is now gentle and tender. He goes for a walk every day. Meanwhile, journalist Sakurai covers the story of a family that was brutally murdered, when an unexplained phenomenon takes place. Shinji tells his wife that he came to Earth to invade.
Goké, Body Snatcher from Hell 吸血鬼ゴケミドロ
Wednesday, October 30, 6:00PM (ET)
Directed by SATO Hajime • 1968 • Horror / Sci-Fi • 84 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer
After an airplane is forced to crash-land in a remote area, its passengers find themselves face-to-face with an alien force that wants to possess them body and soul, and perhaps take over the entire human race. Filled with creatively repulsive effects, including a very invasive bloblike life-form, SATO Hajime’s Goké, Body Snatcher from Hell is a pulpy, apocalyptic gross-out.
Related Programming:
Yokai Netsuke Exhibition
October 17, 2024 – January 25, 2025
Experience the mysterious universe of Yōkai through these Netsuke figures, which serve as gateways to bridge across the dimensions, from flat images to three dimensional sculptures, and from monochrome to colour.
Unveil the Mysteries of Yōkai and the Craftsmanship of Netsuke Figures with JFT Library’s Curated Collection!
Are you planning to visit or have already been fascinated by the JFT Gallery’s Yōkai Netsuke Exhibition? To enrich your cultural journey, we have curated library item lists on yōkai and netsuke/figures, including physical and electronic books, manga/anime, films, and more!
Whether you enjoy manga/anime featuring yōkai characters, seek engaging reads for young readers, or are curious to learn about the rich history and artistry behind these enigmatic figures, our collection has something for everyone. Immerse yourself in the mysterious world of Japanese monsters, and explore the craftsmanship behind netsuke or miniature figures that tell fascinating cultural stories. These curated library items are currently on display in our library, located right next to the gallery.
Apply for a new library card or renew your expired card here.
