Film festival to support Kumamoto reconstruction kicks off Saturday
KUMAMOTO, Japan (Kyodo) -- A film festival to support reconstruction from the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes kicked off Saturday, with film director Isao Y
The 10th annual Kumamoto Restoration Film Festival commenced on Saturday, aiming to aid the recovery efforts following the devastating 2016 earthquakes that struck Kumamoto, Japan. Film director Isao Yukisada, a key organizer, highlighted the significant role movies play in uplifting spirits and fostering support among those affected by disasters.
Despite the recent magnitude-7.1 earthquake in late July, the festival organizers opted to proceed with the event, driven by their belief in the power of cinema to inspire hope and unity. In a statement, Yukisada expressed his appreciation for the audience's emotional response, noting that films possess a unique ability to evoke warmth and empathy.
On the preceding Friday, Yukisada screened his own short film, "The Gift of Memory," which depicts the aftermath of the 2016 earthquakes and stars Kumamoto residents. The festival specifically invited individuals who experienced the July quake to view the film at no cost, further demonstrating the organizers' commitment to providing support and fostering a sense of community.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
