Japan has excelled as a country of technical and cultural innovation, hand in hand with modernism. After experiencing a devastating war seven decades ago, Japan has demonstrated to the world how to rebuild and achieve lasting peace, Minister of Finance and Media, Mangala Samaraweera said at the opening of the Japanese Film Festival 2017, in Colombo, Friday.
He said, he was delighted to be present at the opening day of the festival. Speaking as chief guest, Minister Samaraweera said: “Japan’s resiliency in overcoming many post war challenges is still a living example for us in Sri Lanka at this crucial time of our own history. We, Sri Lankans are trying to come to terms with our past and rebuild a prosperous nation by achieving rapid growth and lasting peace. I must say, Japan stands as a close friend in our difficult journey.
“Japan is a unique country in Asia, as well as in the entire world. Japan’s impressive technical advancement achieved after the Second World War does not seem to have had any major impact on their strong culture. Despite great transitions, Japan has retained its cultural uniqueness and heritage; and their way of living, as well.
“We know Japan produces high quality technical equipment. Simultaneously, you see many talented artists emerge from Japan. There are well known Japanese writers, film directors, performing artists, musicians and painters. We, Sri Lankans, should take a leaf out of Japan’s book of success – Japan’s artistic legacy and the example of striving to be the best in multiple disciplines,” Minister Samaraweera added. “Japan carries a history of over one hundred years of cinema culture with some of the renowned masters – Akira Kurasowa, Yasujiro Ozu and lately Takeshi Kitano. Their influence has been immense in the world cinema, and on other Asian directors, including our own masters such as, Dr. Lester James Pieris,” the Minister said.
The Japanese film festival, launched on September 22 at the National Film Corporation Theatre has been organised by the Embassy of Japan and the Japan Foundation, in collaboration with the National Youth Services Council, the National Film Corporation of Sri Lanka and Ship for World Youth Alumni Association. Japanese Ambassador Kenichi Suganuma and Chairman Film Corporation Sithendra Senaratne were present at the opening. This year’s festival features Japanese rural life, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, as well as the natural beauty of Japan. The four films to be screened have received high acclaims in film festivals, both, in Japan and internationally. Admission to the theatre is free of charge. The festival ends today with two masterpieces –‘Wood Job’ –screening at 3 pm and ‘A Farewell to Jinu’ at 5:30 pm.