Japanese Film Festival 2026 takes over SM Cinemas nationwide

Kokuho director Lee Sang-il at the opening night film screening

The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) has officially launched the Japanese Film Festival 2026, bringing a curated selection of Japanese films to audiences across eight cities in the Philippines from October 1 to November 29, 2026. This year’s festival carries the theme “Shared Treasure. Shared Stories.” in celebration of the 70th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan and the 30th anniversary of the Japan Foundation, Manila’s presence in the country.

In partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, the Japanese Film Festival 2026 features a 16-film lineup that will be screened for free at selected SM Cinema branches, including SM Megamall, SM Manila, SM Cebu, SM Baguio, SM Iloilo, SM Lanang, SM North EDSA, and SM CDO Downtown Premiere. The nationwide film festival gives Filipino moviegoers an opportunity to experience Japanese cinema, culture, animation, traditional performing arts, and contemporary storytelling on the big screen.

The festival officially opened on October 1 at SM Megamall with the Philippine premiere of “KOKUHO” (2025), a highly acclaimed film set against the demanding and traditional world of Kabuki theater. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Lee Sang-il, the film premiered at Cannes and later received major recognition at the 49th Japan Academy Film Prize, winning Picture of the Year, Director of the Year, and Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role for Ryo Yoshizawa. Lee Sang-il also attended the opening event in Manila and participated in a brief press interview before addressing audiences during the screening.

The opening ceremony was attended by Minister-Counselor Maya Hamada of the Embassy of Japan, Film Development Council of the Philippines Chair and CEO Jose “Direk Joey” Javier Reyes, SM Supermalls Senior Assistant Vice President for Corporate Marketing and Public Relations Kitchie Limoanco, and JFM Director Ben Suzuki.

Beyond contemporary film adaptations, the Japanese Film Festival 2026 puts a spotlight on Cinema Kabuki, a specialized film format that brings the visual experience of traditional Kabuki theater to large-format cinema screens. The program includes Yoji Yamada’s “Renjishi (The Father and Son Shishi Lions)”, alongside cultural activities such as a traditional costume demonstration and Kumadori body-painting workshop.

Animation fans can also look forward to “Nausicaä Day,” featuring Hayao Miyazaki’s acclaimed “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” (1984) together with its two-part Kabuki stage adaptation. Other highlights in the 2026 lineup include restored classics such as Akira Kurosawa’s “Throne of Blood” (1957), a 4K remaster of Lee Sang-il’s “Hula Girls” (2006), and festival selections including “Tokyo Taxi,” “Blue Boy Trial,” “The Girl Who Sees,” “Under Ninja,” and “Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence.”

Adding to the festival’s diverse program is “Journey through Japan on Screen in Manila 2026,” a special subprogram organized in partnership with Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs and the Japan Film Commission. The program highlights international co-productions such as Jaime Pacena II’s “Kono Basho” and Chie Hayakawa’s “Renoir,” as well as youth-oriented films including “School Meals Time: School Excursion Inferno” and the animated feature “You, Fireworks, and Our Promise.”

With its combination of contemporary Japanese films, restored classics, animation, Kabuki theater, and cultural activities, the Japanese Film Festival 2026 offers Filipino audiences a unique opportunity to discover Japanese stories and traditions. More importantly, the festival strengthens the cultural connection between the Philippines and Japan through the shared experience of cinema, storytelling, and the arts.