Paprika (film screening)

Paprika

パプリカ

Doors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall

Directed by KON Satoshi • 2006 • Animation, Psychological Thriller, Fantasy • 90 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer

In a future where technology allows therapists to enter their patients’ dreams, a stolen device unleashes chaos when dreams and reality begin to merge. Paprika is a visually dazzling masterpiece that plunges audiences into a surreal exploration of the subconscious, imagination, and identity.

⚠️ Please note: This film is rated R (in the US) which contains mature themes and intense imagery that may not be suitable for children. Viewer discretion is advised.

Paprika is part of our The Many Worlds of KON Satoshi series.

Free admission. Register below.  

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Director Profile:

KON Satoshi (今 敏, 1963–2010) was a visionary Japanese filmmaker, screenwriter, and manga artist whose work revolutionized the possibilities of animated storytelling. Known for his intricate narratives, psychological depth, and seamless blending of dreams and reality, Kon created some of the most critically acclaimed anime films of the early 21st century.

After graduating from Musashino Art University with a degree in visual communication design, Kon began his career as a manga artist and scriptwriter, eventually working as an animator under director ŌTOMO Katsuhiro (Akira). He made his directorial debut in 1997 with the psychological thriller Perfect Blue, which quickly earned him international acclaim. Over the next decade, Kon directed a powerful body of work that includes Millennium Actress (2001), Tokyo Godfathers (2003), Paprika (2006), and the television series Paranoia Agent (2004). Each of these works showcases his signature style: non-linear storytelling, striking visual imagery, and a fascination with identity, memory, and media.

Kon passed away in 2010 at the age of 46, leaving his final project, Dreaming Machine, unfinished. Despite his brief career, his influence continues to resonate—his films are frequently cited by global filmmakers and have inspired directors such as Darren Aronofsky and Christopher Nolan.