𝐉𝐀𝐏𝐀𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐄 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐌 𝐅𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐕𝐀𝐋 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐍𝐒 𝐀𝐓 𝐒𝐌 𝐂𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐌𝐀 𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔, 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐂𝐔𝐋𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐗𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐆𝐇 𝐅𝐈𝐋𝐌

The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM), together with SM Cinema, officially opened the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) 2026 on October 16 at SM City Cebu, bringing Japanese storytelling and cinema closer to Filipino audiences. Running until October 25, the festival invites Cebuano moviegoers to max out their cinema experience through stories that celebrate culture, creativity, and shared human experiences.

The opening night welcomed distinguished guests, including Yuta Kaneko, Deputy Director of The Japan Foundation, Manila; Hon. Yasuko Kurihara, Deputy Consul-General of the Consulate-General of Japan in Cebu; Sheila Grace Avanzador, Head of the Cebu City Tourism Office; Michelle Leslie Llanos, Vice President for Operations of SM Supermalls - Visayas; and Ana Kristin Therese Seno, Regional Operations Head - Assistant Vice President for Visayas alongside festival partners, members of the media, and cinema enthusiasts.

Carrying the theme “Shared Treasure. Shared Stories.”, JFF 2026 celebrates the power of film to bridge cultures, foster understanding, and bring people together through stories that reflect diverse experiences and perspectives. Through a curated selection of Japanese films, the festival invites Filipino audiences to discover Japan’s cinematic landscape and gain a deeper appreciation of its culture, traditions, and contemporary society.

JFF 2026 promises to bring acclaimed contemporary films, beloved classics, and animation to audiences. This year’s lineup offers a broad cinematic journey through Japan, featuring 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, among others.

The Cebu leg forms part of JFF 2026’s nationwide celebration of Japanese cinema, continuing The Japan Foundation, Manila’s efforts to strengthen cultural exchange between Japan and the Philippines. Through the festival, audiences in Cebu can experience Japanese films on the big screen, explore different perspectives, and discover stories that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

As your most-loved SM City Cebu, the mall continues to bring people together through experiences that inspire discovery and connection. Through its partnership with JFF 2026, SM City Cebu gives Cebuano audiences the opportunity to explore Japanese culture through film, fostering greater appreciation for the stories and perspectives that connect different communities. This reflects SM’s commitment to helping everyone max out their experiences through shared moments, cultural discoveries, and entertainment that goes beyond the ordinary.

JFF 2026 is made possible through the continued support and collaboration of organizations and partners who share JFM’s commitment to cultural exchange and bringing Japanese cinema closer to Filipino audiences: the Embassy of Japan, SM Supermalls and SM Cinema, JTI Philippines, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, the Japan Film Commission, and the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP).

For the complete screening schedule, ticketing guidelines, venue details, and information on talkback sessions and workshops, please visit the official JFF 2026 website at www japanesefilmfestph jfmo org ph or follow The Japan Foundation, Manila on Facebook and @jfmanila Instagram.

Japanese Film Festival, Philippines SM City Cebu (Official)

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