By Jimmy Chazama:
Japanese Ambassador to Malawi Yoichi Oya has described the Japan Film Festival as a significant step towards bridging the cultural gap between the Asian country and Malawi.
Oya made the remarks at Crossroads Hotel in Lilongwe on Saturday at the conclusion of the Japan Film Festival, organised by the Embassy of Japan in partnership with Story Club FM.
He said the Japan Film Festival will enhance cultural exchange between Malawi and Japan.
“By using film to share our cultures, we can bridge the gap between our nations and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other’s perspectives,” Oya said.
The event attracted considerable attention as it showcased popular Japanese films.
The free-entry festival also paid tribute to the late Akira Toriyama, creator of Dragon Ball, who was laid to rest in March this year.
Three Japanese films were screened during the festival namely, ‘Neko Ninja’, a comedy; ‘Bushido Sixteen’, a martial arts movie exploring the friendship between two teenage girls; and ‘Key of Life’, a comedy for adults filled with Japanese humour.
Shadreck Chikoti, Director of Story Club FM, a radio station focusing on the arts, praised the collaboration with the Embassy of Japan.
“This partnership will facilitate cultural exchange and promote growth in the arts sector, both locally and internationally. Japanese movies and animations have fascinated people worldwide for a long time, and we are excited to help share their amazing art with our community,” Chikoti said.
Meanwhile, the Japanese Embassy plans to host more cultural events in the future following the success of the inaugural festival.
The festival was initially scheduled for last month but was postponed to Saturday due to the mourning period for former vice president Saulos Chilima and eight others who perished in a plane crash in Chikangawa Forest in Mzimba.
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