Japan’s Anime Classics Light Up Film Festival in the Philippines

MANILA – The Japanese Film Festival, also known as Eigasai, kicked off this week in the Philippines, showcasing a selection of 14 Japanese films, including four beloved animated classics. The 2024 festival lineup features “The First Slam Dunk,” two “Detective Conan” movies, and both an animated and a live-action remake of the legendary “Voltes V,” promising a nostalgic journey for fans of Japanese animation.

According to Philippines News Agency, which organizes the festival, this year’s event spans a variety of genres beyond animation, including romance, coming-of-age drama, and comedy. The festival is scheduled to run from February 1 to March 3, with screenings at multiple venues across the Philippines: Shangri-La Red Carpet Cinema in Manila, SM Seaside City Cebu, SM City Baguio, SM City Iloilo, SM City Davao, and The UPFI Film Center in Quezon City. Detailed information about the film lineup and screening schedule is available on the Japan Foundation’s official website for the event.

The opening ceremony, held at Shangri-La Plaza on February 1, was marked by a special moment as the Japanese Embassy in Manila awarded the Ambassador’s Commendation to Larry Chan of TELESUCCESS PRODUCTIONS and GMA Network, Inc. The embassy honored their significant contributions to popularizing Japanese pop culture in the Philippines. Chan, in particular, was celebrated for his role in introducing iconic anime titles such as “Voltes V,” “Slam Dunk,” “YuYu Hakusho,” and “Boys Over Flowers” to Filipino audiences, significantly influencing the country’s cultural landscape.