Two films from Japan, 'Hikaru Kawa' and 'Doll House,' shone brightly at the 45th Porto International Film Festival, enhancing the reputation of contemporary cinema from the region.
'Hikaru Kawa,' which is scheduled for release on March 22, 2025, at Eurospace, claimed the Best Film Award in the Orient Express section, showcasing its artistic merit and unique storytelling. Directed by Yasuhiro Kaneko, this is his third feature film, following his acclaim for films such as 'Albino Tree' and 'Ring Wandering.' The film offers a poignant exploration of the transition from humanity's reverence for nature to the impacts of rapid modernization during Japan’s economic boom.
Commenting on the honor, Kaneko expressed gratitude and connection with Porto, saying, "I felt a great connection to the fact the Japanese film 'Hikaru Kawa' was screened in Porto, which is on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela, one of the three major Christian holy sites. The film's themes resonate with the beautiful city centered around its river, making it feel like some form of pilgrimage itself. Receiving the highest award for this genre-non-specific work is incredibly gratifying."
On the other hand, 'Doll House,' starring the renowned Masami Nagasawa, has also gained significant recognition, winning the Grand Prix at the festival. Directed by Shizuho Yaguchi, this film uniquely combines horror and comedy, focusing on the concept of charming dolls transitioning from innocent figures to the sources of chaos within families. The movie is set to hit theaters nationwide starting June 13, 2025.
The Porto International Film Festival is one of the most prestigious film events, focused particularly on fantasy and genre cinema since its establishment in 1981. Situated in the second city of Portugal, Porto, it is considered one of the three major fantastic film festivals globally, alongside the Sitges International Film Festival and the Brussels International Fantastic Film Festival. The festival's historical significance and its dedication to such genre films provide audiences with unique and captivating visuals and narratives.
Both films were acclaimed for their originality and engaging plots, establishing their directors as notable figures within the film industry. The films were presented to the audience during the festival, where standout moments included cheers and even applause during the screenings, which led to standing ovations at their conclusion. These reactions signify the larger trend of international audiences embracing diverse cinematic expressions from Japan.
Adding to the appeal of 'Doll House,' Beatrice Pacheco Pereira, co-director of the festival, noted its recognition saying, "One reason we chose this work is because it reflects women's hearts beautifully along with visually impressive artistry. The texture of the doll is something CGI cannot achieve easily, making the film's feel authentic and engaging. The film's scary doll seemed at once like any other child, yet with something distinctly unsettling, appealing to those who may have encountered similarly bizarre toys growing up."
The 45th Porto International Film Festival continues to underline the importance and influence of Asian cinema on global stages, with Japanese films like 'Hikaru Kawa' and 'Doll House' proving their narrative power and cultural richness. The recognition these films have garnered on such prestigious platforms indicates not just the artistic merit of the pieces but also the universal themes they share, appealing to diverse audiences across different cultures.
With both films set to reach audiences beyond the festival's walls, viewers can anticipate not only compelling storytelling but also thought-provoking insights. Both directors have succeeded not just creatively but have also set the stage for future engagements with global film communities, reinforcing the connection between Japanese cinema and broader narratorial traditions.