Shinsedai Film Festival 2011

It's been a few months since I got back from Japan and the outpouring of support and kind words - from my family, friends, friends of friends and complete strangers - has been overwhelming and humbling.  I am so flattered that my little blog has reached so many people and I want all of you to know that I am so appreciative of your feedback.  My plan right now is to go back to Japan next May for 3 weeks, hopefully this time with my brother Kevin in tow, to finish my trip and pay tribute to all of the people who have been affected by this year's horrific disasters.

In the meantime, we've been extremely busy here in Toronto at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, between a button campaign, concerts, The Origami Crane Project, J-Cinema film screenings, and so much more, the community's dedication to raising funds and awareness for Earthquake and Tsunami relief has reached far beyond anything we could've ever imagined.  Last I heard, the JCCC Foundation's Earthquake Relief Fund has raised over $1, 075,000 with more donations coming in everyday.  We have sent over 10,000 origami cranes to schoolchildren in Japan through the Origami Crane Project (with help from the TDSB and TCDSB, along with countless volunteers who have generously donated their time, patience and expertise to the tedious project).  There are still benefit screenings going on throughout the summer through the J-Cinema program at the JCCC.  The next benefit screening is featuring the film 13 Assassins, described on Rotten Tomatoes as a "stampeding raging bull of a samurai movie" (Glen Heath Jr, 2011), which will take place on Thursday August 18 at 7pm.

 

Speaking of movies, yesterday was the opening night reception for the JCCC's third annual Shinsedai Film Festival.  As the official photographer I had the pleasure of interacting with some of the evening's special guests, including actress/producer Kiki Sugino, comedian/actor/director Devi Kobayashi, and 15-year-old filmmaker/director Ryugo Nakamura (to name just a few). 

Actress/Producer Kiki Sugino (Hospitalite) being interviewed by Yuki Nakamura of Wai Wai Wide

My dad, Marty Kobayashi (past-President) talks about the new Kobayashi Audience Choice Award

Actor/Comedian/Director Devi Kobayashi fans Chris MaGee (Co-Programmer of the festival)

Chris MaGee, Co-Programmer of the Festival, addresses the audience before the opening night film, Hospitalite

Kiki Sugino has a laugh with some of her fans after the film

The night's special guests fan themselves with their programs as they stand tall under the hot spotlights while everyone around them melts in the heat on Toronto's hottest day on record

I'm going to try my best to keep updating this with more news and exciting events happening in and around the JCCC.  Thank you again for all of your support.  If you want to get involved, please contact me, we're always looking for volunteers to help with various activities, especially the crane project.