Japanese Independent Animation - Beyond Anime

 

 

The majority of Japanese animation screened outside Japan is largely studio-driven. Beyond Anime contains four retrospectives of leading contemporary, independent, Japanese animators - Kihachiro Kawamoto, Keita Kurosaka, Tomoyasu Murata, and Koji Yamamura. These internationally renowned directors work outside both the studio system and the anime aesthetic.

Kihachiro Kawamoto

8.00pm Friday 19 January / Cinema A

A senior Japanese independent animator, Kihachiro Kawamoto is a master of stop motion puppet animation. Kawamoto studied in Prague for a year in 1963 under the internationally renowned Jiri Trnka, and was influenced by the aesthetics and techniques of the strong tradition of Eastern European animation. He also draws from the aesthetics of Noh, Bunraku doll theatre and Kabuki and produces meticulously crafted films of breathtaking beauty. Kawamoto often often explores Buddhist themes of transcending the ego and attaining a state of tranquillity.

The Demon (1970)
Dojoji Temple (1976)
Winter Days (2003)

Tomoyasu Murata

7.00pm Friday 26 January / Cinema A

An artist whose work spans film, installation, photography, manga and writing, Tomoyasu Murata’s animation work similarly broad ranging, experimenting with techniques including claymation, computer generated images and line animation. The themes of Murata’s films include the urban environment, memory, human emotions and loss in his films.

Tug Tug (1998)
A Memory (2001)
Scarlet Road (2002)
White Road (2003)
Four brothers (2004)
Rainbow of Winter (2005)
Metroplis (2005)
Handstand boy intently terrified! (2005)
Indigo Road (2006)
Tokyo Montage (2006)

Keita Kurosaka

8.40pm Friday 26 January / Cinema A

Keita Kurosaka studied at Musashino Art College and under experimental filmmaker Matsumo Toshio at Kyoto Art Junior-College. After graduating he began making films at the Image Forum Institute in Tokyo. Kurosaka’s work is largely non-narrative and uses a variety of animation techniques including the animation of photographs and photocopies Metamorphosis is a recurring theme for Kurosaka, who also uses often surreal humour to investigate sexuality and urban living

Flying Daddy (1997)
The Worm Story (1989)
Head (1994)
Haruko Adventure (1991)
Dragon (1999)
Sea Roar (1988)

Koji Yamamura

6.30pm Friday 19 January / Cinema A

After initially working in studio production, Koji Yamamura was drawn to independent animation and founded Yamamura Animation Inc. in 1993, together with wife and animation assistant Sanae Yamamura. Often combining 2D and 3D animation techniques, Yamamura creates films which resonate with all ages and are full of humour, visual delight and subtle social commentary.

Aquatic (1987)
Perspektivenbox (1990)
Kipling Jr. (1995)
Japanese-English Pictionary (1989)
Bavel’s Book (1996)
Mr Rib Globe (1998)
Jubilee (1999)
Mt Head (2002)
The Old Crocodile (2005)
Fig (2006)