CineMatsuri Shorts: Tuesday, April 3

"CineMatsuri Shorts” is a new addition to the CineMatsuri lineup. On Tuesday, April 3 - one day only - the Japan-America Society of Washington DC will showcase the future of Japanese cinema by screening eight short films from up-and-coming Japanese directors, actors, and screenwriters. While CineMatsuri shows full-length feature films with broad cultural appeal, “CineMatsuri Shorts” will push the cutting edge of Japanese cinematic innovation and creativity, with trendy, edgy, and independently-made short films.

CineMatsuri Shorts is produced in cooperation with Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia, a Japan-born, Academ Awards(R)-accredited event that is now one of the largest film festivals in Asia. CineMatsuri Shorts will screen at the E Street Cinema On Tuesday, April 3 from 7:00 pm.

---

Home Away From Home ホームアウェイフロム ホーム Home Away From Home Director: Yukinori Makabe A taxi driver, a young girl and a backpacker simultaneously experience a wonderful journey in Tokyo, where they find connections to their own homes in Africa, Europe and Southeast Asia. Throughout their journey, they run into the same Japanese woman named Akiko. Meanwhile, a writer in Paris recalls her encounter with Akiko in Tokyo. タクシー運転手、少女、バックパッカーはそれぞれの故郷であるアフリカ、ヨーロッパ、東南アジアに繋がる幻想的な東京を旅する。その旅には、アキコという日本人の女性がいる。一方、パリにいる作家は、東京で出会ったアキコの事を思い出し、執筆を始めた。

SUSHIDO スシドウ SUSHIDO Director: Keisuke Nakazazto Two colleagues eat at a conveyer belt sushi restaurant. The junior eats and eats and eats the gold plated sushi, and the chef keeps bringing more and more and more. The dishes are pilling up and the boss is getting worried… 回転寿司にやってきた仕事上がりの二人組。食べまくる部下、握りまくる大将、積みあがっていく金色の皿、荒れ狂う店内はいつの間にか巨大なレーンの上で・・・。

Super Star スーパースター Super Star Director: Kentaro Hagiwara When Toshiko's (Atsuko Sakurai) dream of meeting her favourtie Koren idol comes true, the last thing she wants to do is be late for the fan event in which he plans to attend. Looking for the fastest way to the venue, she jumps into a yellow car only to be confronted by its grumpy driver Park (Eung-soo Kim), who leaves her wondering if she will ever make it there on time…. 敏子（櫻井淳子）の夢は韓流スターのジュノ様に会う事。韓国で行なわれるファンイベントに行くことになった敏子は、ひょんな事から出会った超無愛想な韓国人運転手のパク（キム・ウンス）と会場を目指すが、予想外の出来事が…。

NAGISA なぎさ NAGISA Director: Takeshi Kogahara A boy & a girl, classmates. Their poolside conversations during swimming class linger in the boy's memories. A story about a boy and a time in his life that he will never forget. クラスメイトの男の子と女の子。プールの時間に二人が話したこと、男の子は繰り返し思い出す。忘れられない時間の物語。

Yukotopia ゆーことぴあ Yukotopia *This film contains mature themes and may not be suitable for younger audiences. Director: Daigo Matsui One day, out of work musician Yusuke is taken to a "pink salon." There, he falls in love with Hitomi and winds up in her apartment. He starts to play music for her with her ex-boyfriend's guitar. 売れないバンドマンの優介は、ある日ピンサロに誘われる。そこで優介はピンサロ嬢のひとみに恋をして彼女の家に転がり込む。音楽好きのひとみの前で、優介は置いてあった彼氏のギターをかき鳴らす。

Mirai wa Akarui 未来は明るい The Future Looked Bright Director: Adrien Lacoste A young couple hires lawyers to make a relationship contract for their future life together. 若いカップルが弁護士に依頼したのは、“将来を共に過ごす”契約書作り。

born、bone、boon. born、bone、墓音。 born, bone, boon. Director: Gori A dysfunctional family reunites for the traditional "bone washing ceremony" on Aguni Island. The family face themselves and are able to begin the healing process. 粟国島で受け継がれる風習「洗骨」をめぐり、バラバラだった家族が本当の自分と出逢い、絆を取り戻す物語。「洗骨」というシリアスなテーマが、ごり監督の真骨頂「笑えて泣ける」コメディーとして心にしみる作品に。