[NSW] Free Screenings: 6 Films by Director Kinuyo Tanaka at AGNSW (Bookings Required)

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of her acting debut, The Japan Foundation, Sydney is proud to present a complete retrospective of Japanese actor and filmmaker Kinuyo Tanaka’s often overlooked directorial work. Held in conjunction with the exhibition Afternote: In the Shade of Cinema, this special series of free films will take place at the Art Gallery of NSW.

Following the start of her acting career with Shochiku Studios in 1924, Kinuyo Tanaka went on to appear in more than 250 films over the span of 50 years. She worked on masterpieces with acclaimed directors including the likes of Yasujiro О̄zu, Mikio Naruse, Kenji Mizoguchi and Keisuke Kinoshita, becoming not only one of Japan’s most iconic and beloved celebrities, but also a global star that gained international recognition. In 1953 she moved behind the camera to direct her debut film Love Letter, becoming the second Japanese female director after Tazuko Sakane, while continuing her acting career.

Tanaka’s six feature films reflect her determination to tell stories that genuinely give a voice to women’s experiences and desires, in contrast with mainstream representations of women in Japanese cinema.⁠

4K restorations of the following films will screen between December 11-22, 2024. All films are in Japanese with English subtitles:

• Girls of Dark 11 Dec (Wed), 2pm & 7:15pm
• Love Letter 15 Dec (Sun), 12pm
• The Moon Has Risen 15 Dec (Sun), 2pm
• Forever a Woman 18 Dec (Sun), 2pm
• The Wandering Princess 18 Dec (Sun), 7:15pm
• Love Under the Crucifix 22 Dec (Sun), 2pm

Don't miss this rare chance to see restored versions of Tanaka's works on the big screen! Reserve your FREE tickets on the AGNSW website.