Japanese Film Festival

Brisbane film lovers are in for a cinematic treat as the Japanese Film Festival returns from Thursday November 9 to Friday December 19 at Palace Barracks and QAGOMA. Celebrating its 29th year, the festival brings together an exceptional line-up of major new releases, literary adaptations, thrillers and anime features that showcase the depth and creativity of Japanese storytelling.

Opening with Kokuhō, Japan’s official submission for the 2026 Academy Awards, the program spans everything from historical sagas and contemporary dramas to pulse-raising thrillers and heartfelt family tales. Highlights include new works from celebrated filmmaker Kiyoshi Kurosawa, whose films Chime, Cloud and Serpent’s Path continue to redefine the boundaries of genre cinema.

At QAGOMA, the JFF Special Series will transport viewers to the golden age of Japanese cinema with classics from Ozu, Mizoguchi and Yamanaka, presented with rare pre-war “paper films” accompanied by a live performance from Duo YUMENO.

Whether you are a long-time devotee of Japanese cinema or discovering it for the first time, this year’s Japanese Film Festival promises an unforgettable journey through the artistry and innovation of Japan’s finest filmmakers.

Image credit 1: ©SHUICHI YOSHIDA/ASP © 2025 “KOKUHŌ” Film Partners

Image credit 2: ©2025 “366 DAYS” Film Partners

Image credit 3: ©2024 “CLOUD” Film Partners