Chicago Japan Film Collective

🗣️Call for Entries: CJFC 2026 | 5th Anniversary📢 We invite films that linger—quiet, bold, and deeply lived. Submit your film to the 5th CJFC via FilmFreeway. Check out Chicago Japan Film Collective on FilmFreeway filmfreeway.com/CJFC #日本映画祭 #映画祭公募 #全米配信 #シカゴ開催 #filmfreeway

Info Release! 🎉 
🎬 Backstreet Cinema Series Vol.2 🎬 🔥The Cinematic Roar🔥— Where Cinema Meets Pulse, Rhythm & Spirit Thank you to everyone who joined us for another unforgettable night of Japanese cinema.
Through Ishirō Honda: Memoirs of a Film Director and Shiver, we explored the heartbeat of Japan’s creativity — from Godzilla’s visionary legacy to the soul-stirring rhythms of Kodo. Your energy and support make this series so meaningful as we move toward CJFC’s 5th anniversary in 2026. We can’t wait to see you again for Vol. 3 in February 2026 — and to keep this cinematic journey roaring forward! 🎬 Backstreet Cinema Series Vol.2 🎬 📍@facetschicago – 126 seats
 🎞️ Featured Films: 🎬 BS Cinema Series Vol.2 - The Cinematic Roar ✨ Ishiro Honda: Memoirs of a Film Director 🏤In-Theater 📅 Sun, Dec 14 | 10:30 AM 📍 @facetschicago , Chicago 🔗 https://www.cjfc.us/ishirohonda 💻 Virtual Screening 📅 Dec 12–21 (10 days) 🔗 https://watch.cjfc.us/films/ishiro-honda-memoirs-of-a-film-director 🎬 BS Cinema Series Vol.2 - The Cinematic Roar ✨ Shiver / 戦慄せしめよ 🏤In-Theater 📅 Sun, Dec 21 | 10:30 AM 📍 @facetschicago , Chicago 🔗 https://www.cjfc.us/shiver ✨Special guest programs after each screening — from spirited conversation to a live artistic moment — deepening our connection to the films’ themes of legacy, sound, and creative force! #CJFC2025 #BackstreetCinema #JapaneseCinema #AnimeFilm #kaiju #ChicagoEvents #midwest #nationwide #JapaneseFilmFestival #Kodo #IshiroHonda #ChicagoFilm #Japaneseculture

2026 CJFC Special Screening Ishibumi by KORE-EDA Hirokazu April 3, 2026 (Fri) @ 7:00 pm at Gorton Center, Lake forest, IL In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Chicago Japan Film Collective (CJFC), in partnership with Gorton Center, presents a special screening of Ishibumi (2015), directed by acclaimed filmmaker KORE-EDA Hirokazu. Originally produced by Hiroshima Television, Ishibumi revisits the story of 321 first-year students of the former Hiroshima Second Middle School whose lives were taken in the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945. Through the quiet and powerful recitation of letters and family testimonies, the film preserves voices that might otherwise fade from collective memory. Known worldwide for his deeply humanistic storytelling, Kore-eda returns to his documentary roots in this moving work. Actress Haruka Ayase, a native of Hiroshima, lends her voice to the recited letters, offering a restrained yet emotionally resonant performance that honors the memories of the young lives lost. The screening will be presented as a one-time theatrical event. A panel discussion may follow, subject to availability. We invite you to join us for an evening of remembrance, reflection, and shared history. Tickets&info:https://www.cjfc.us #koreedahirokazu #ishibumi #japanesefilm #documentary #cjfc

2026 CJFC Special Screening Ishibumi by KORE-EDA Hirokazu April 3, 2026 (Fri) @ 7:00 pm at Gorton Center, Lake forest, IL In commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Chicago Japan Film Collective (CJFC), in partnership with Gorton Center, presents a special screening of Ishibumi (2015), directed by acclaimed filmmaker KORE-EDA Hirokazu. Originally produced by Hiroshima Television, Ishibumi revisits the story of 321 first-year students of the former Hiroshima Second Middle School whose lives were taken in the atomic bombing of August 6, 1945. Through the quiet and powerful recitation of letters and family testimonies, the film preserves voices that might otherwise fade from collective memory. Known worldwide for his deeply humanistic storytelling, Kore-eda returns to his documentary roots in this moving work. Actress Haruka Ayase, a native of Hiroshima, lends her voice to the recited letters, offering a restrained yet emotionally resonant performance that honors the memories of the young lives lost. The screening will be presented as a one-time theatrical event. A panel discussion may follow, subject to availability. We invite you to join us for an evening of remembrance, reflection, and shared history. Tickets:/event/ishibumi/ #koreedahirokazu #ishibumi #japanesefilm #documentary #cjfc

Happy Year of the Horse from the Chicago Japan Film Collective! 謹んで新春のお慶びを申し上げます。 皆様にとって幸多き一年となりますよう心よりお祈り申し上げ ます。 本年もどうぞよろしくお願いいたします。 https://mailchi.mp/cjfc/cjfc-new-year-greeting-2026?e=715a071c03

✳︎Recaps from Backstreet Cinema Series Vol.2 #01：”Ishiro Honda: Memoirs of a Film Director” by Jonathan Bellés (@jonathan_belles ) Guest Speakers: Ed Godziszewski & Steve Ryfle Moderated by Michael Foster(@boojazzstudios ) https://www.cjfc.us/news/backstreet-cinema-series-vol-2-opens-at-facets ✳︎Recaps from Backstreet Cinema Series Vol.2 #02：”Shiver - 戦慄せしめよ” by TOYODA Toshiaki (@toyodatoshiaki ) Guest performance: Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai Performance team https://www.cjfc.us/news/shiver-screening-brings-community-together

Tomorrow @facetschicago : “SHIVER” !!!! Roar No. 2: 12/21 (Sun) — 10:30 AM Shiver (Soundscape Film — Kodo Taiko (@kodoheartbeat ) A breathtaking immersion into the world of Kodo, Japan’s world-renowned taiko ensemble. No dialogue — only rhythm, movement, nature, and human spirit. Feel the pulse of Japan through sound and silence. A live Eisa drumming and dance performance by Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai after screening! 🎟️ IN-THEATER TICKET INFORMATION General Admission: $15 Students: $12 General Admission + Tenugui Towel (Limited to 15 sets!) *Eventbrite adds fees and tax at checkout—thank you for your understanding Group Discount: Coming with friends? Enjoy 20% off when purchasing 4 or more tickets with code: BS12GP20. 📍 VENUE FACETS — 1517 W Fullerton Ave, Chicago Accessible by CTA Red/Brown Line (Fullerton Station) and Fullerton bus routes.

A special greeting video from Shiver performers Kenta Nakagome and Yuta Sumiyoshi of KODO (@kodoheartbeat ) They’ve sent warm words to Chicago audiences—so get ready for the December 21 screening and the live Eisa performance that will keep the energy going long after the film. 🎬 Backstreet Cinema Series Vol.2 🎬 🔥The Cinematic Roar🔥— Where Cinema Meets Pulse, Rhythm & Spirit Thank you to everyone who joined us for another unforgettable night of Japanese cinema. 
Through Ishirō Honda: Memoirs of a Film Director and Shiver, we explored the heartbeat of Japan’s creativity — from Godzilla’s visionary legacy to the soul-stirring rhythms of Kodo. Your energy and support make this series so meaningful as we move toward CJFC’s 5th anniversary in 2026. 🎬 Backstreet Cinema Series Vol.2 🎬 📍@facetschicago – 126 seats
 🎞️ Featured Films: 🎬 BS Cinema Series Vol.2 - The Cinematic Roar ✨ Shiver / 戦慄せしめよ @etto__world 🏤In-Theater 📅 Sun, Dec 21 | 10:30 AM 📍 @facetschicago , Chicago 🔗 https://www.cjfc.us/shiver

✨Exclusive venue-only items!✨ 🗣️Limited quantity available! Get your pamphlet and tenugui at the venue! @toshiaki.toyoda @toyodafilms #backstreetcinemaseries #KODO #Taiko #JapaneseFilm #ChicagoScreening

Thank you, @choosechicago ! /event/chicago-japan-film-collective-2025-backstreet-cinema-series-vol-2-shiver/ 🎬 BS Cinema Series Vol.2 - The Cinematic Roar ✨ Shiver / 戦慄せしめよ @etto__world 🏤In-Theater 📅 Sun, Dec 21 | 10:30 AM 📍 @facetschicago , Chicago 🔗 https://www.cjfc.us/shiver 🥁Live Performance after screening (Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai performing team) #backstreetcinemaseries #CJFC2025 #kodo #toshiakitoyoda #taiko #cjfc #chicagoscreening #chicagoevents

Thank you for your support, Do312 ! /events/2025/12/21/film-screening-shiver-the-taiko-driven-world-of-kodo-tickets 🎬 BS Cinema Series Vol.2 - The Cinematic Roar ✨ Shiver / 戦慄せしめよ @etto__world 🏤In-Theater 📅 Sun, Dec 21 | 10:30 AM 📍 @facetschicago , Chicago 🔗 https://www.cjfc.us/shiver 🥁Live Performance after screening #backstreetcinemaseries #CJFC2025 #kodo #toshiakitoyoda #taiko #cjfc #chicagoscreening #chicagoevents

Director Toshiaki Toyoda (@toyodatoshiaki ) wins BEST DIRECTOR at the 58th Sitges Fantastic Film Festival — the first Japanese director to receive the award for TRANSCENDING DIMENSIONS. #次元を越える /en/festival/palmares/2025 “Shiver” by @toshiakitoyoda , featuring KODO (@kodoheartbeat ), in theaters Dec 21 @facetschicago — don’t miss this opportunity!