Japanese Film Festival 2026 to screen 11 films in Davao City from November 13 to 22
The Japan Foundation, Manila's annual festival returns with a Davao City run featuring award-winning Kabuki drama KOKUHO, classics and animation.
Davao City audiences will be able to watch a curated lineup of 11 Japanese films from November 13 to 22, 2026, as the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) returns, according to Mindanao Times.
The festival is organised by the Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) and will run in six cities and eight venues nationwide this year. JFM is staging it in partnership with SM Supermalls and SM Cinema. The source did not specify the Davao venue.
This year's theme, "Shared Treasure. Shared Stories.", highlights films, traditions and experiences that connect people across borders and generations. The 2026 edition also marks the 70th anniversary of the normalisation of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan, and the 30th anniversary of JFM.
The festival opens with KOKUHO, directed by LEE Sang-il. Set in the traditional world of Kabuki theatre, the film deals with ambition, friendship, rivalry, family and sacrifice. It premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and won several honours at the 49th Japan Academy Film Prize, including Picture of the Year, Director of the Year for LEE, and best leading actor for YOSHIZAWA Ryo. LEE's earlier award-winning film, Hula Girls, is also part of the lineup.
Other titles include KUROSAWA Akira's Throne of Blood, Studio Ghibli's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, UNDER NINJA starring YAMAZAKI Kento, and YAMADA Yoji's TOKYO TAXI. Organisers said moviegoers can also join activation campaigns for a chance to receive freebies and exclusive festival merchandise.
The festival is supported by the Embassy of Japan, SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, JTI Philippines, the Agency for Cultural Affairs of the Government of Japan, the Japan Film Commission and the Film Development Council of the Philippines.
The full lineup, film ratings, screening schedule, ticketing guidelines and venue details are posted on the official JFF 2026 website (japanesefilmfestph.jfmo.org.ph) and on JFM's @jfmanila Facebook and Instagram pages.
Why it matters for Davao
Davao film fans get local access to award-winning and classic Japanese cinema during a 10-day run. Schedules and ticketing details are available on the festival's official website.
This article was written by the DavaoNews desk with AI assistance, using reporting by Mindanao Times. Facts come from the original report, which we credit and link below. Our editorial policy
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