Film Fest Gent

From 11 to 21 October, Film Fest Gent (international film festival of Ghent) took place in various venues in Ghent. In the framework of the 150 Years of Friendship between Japan and Belgium, Film Fest Gent put the spotlight on Japan. Some Japanese film directors were invited to the festival and many Japanese films were screened. At the World Soundtrack Awards Gala on 19 October, Mr. Ryuichi Sakamoto, famous composer and musician, received the World Soundtrack Lifetime Achievement Award. Ambassador Ishii, his wife and other officials were invited to attend the event. Among the many soundtracks played by the Brussels Philharmonic, Ryuichi Sakamoto’s “Senjo no Merry Christmas” (Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence) was the highlight of the concert. The whole audience stood up to applaud the performance.