Opening Japan Square Film Festival in Ghent

On March 20, the opening of the Japan Square Film Festival was held at Studio Skoop in Ghent, and attended by Ambassador Hayashi.
Every year, the festival selects and screens high-quality and a variety of Japanese films, this year marks the festival’s 10th edition. At the opening, the film "Dear Etranger", which has won the Special Grand Prix of the Jury at the 41st Montreal World Film Festival as well as other awards, was screened. The film was directed by Ms. Yukiko Mishima, who came from Japan to visit the festival venue. Ambassador Hayashi stated that "Japan and Belgium are geographically far apart, but as developed countries share various common issues. I would like you to feel contemporary Japan through today’s film". Following a commentary by film specialist Luc Van Haute, director Mishima said: “In Japan, the model of the family has been changing, but the idea that children belong to their parents is still firmly rooted, and individualism has not yet been established. I made this film with the desire to reconsider this situation." The festival will be held until March 24.

©Pieter De Maertelaere