VIZ CINEMA LAUNCHES THE BAY AREA FILM SERIES IN JUNE WITH MULTICULTURAL ROMANTIC COMEDY BICYCLE BRIDE
May 19, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
New Movie Epitomizes Bay Area Film Series Mission To Challenge Rigid Perceptions And Prejudices Through Pioneering And Poetic Storytelling
San Francisco, CA, May 18, 2010 – VIZ Cinema at NEW PEOPLE expands its commitment to innovative filmmaking with the launch of the Bay Area Film Series, an new showcase for the region’s burgeoning community of multicultural independent filmmakers. The first movie of this series is Bicycle Bride, which opens at VIZ Cinema for a week-long run beginning June 25th.
Two special screening events at VIZ Cinema will feature a live Q&A session with Bicycle Bride’s director, Hassan Zee, as well as the film’s actors. A reception featuring hors d’oeuvres and live traditional Indian dancers and music will take place on Friday, June 25th, following each screening at 5:00pm and 8:00pm. Advance tickets are now available at www.newpeopleworld.com/upcoming-events/bicycle_bride on Sunday, May 16th.
Directed by Pakistani filmmaker Hassan Zee, Bicycle Bride is a witty story about a rebellious young Indian-American woman named Beena, whose family still clings to old school beliefs about gender roles and marriage for women. Beena pursues her dreams of freedom – but her stern mother has other ideas, including arranging a marriage for her daughter. Beena also has a best friend named Mary Jane, a Caucasian girl who supports her in every way. When Beena meets a man from Sweden named James Dean (played by renowned Swedish actor Andreas Wilson) she is immediately smitten by his European charm, Mary Jane is all for it; she knows James is the boy of Beena’s dreams. But Beena’s mother has imported Bubba, a naive bachelor straight from India. Bubba thinks dollars grow on trees in America, and he must find those trees and marry Beena. Will Beena give in to what her cultural heritage says is right? Or will she follow her heart and possibly lose her family instead?
The heartwarming comedy features an international cast of renowned Indian, European and American actors including Andreas Wilson (Swedish Star-Academy Award Nominated film The Evil), Melanie Kannokada, Jessica Kitchens, Shruti Tewari, and Rajiv Nema.
“NEW PEOPLE and VIZ Cinema are eager to play a role in the Bay Area’s film community and provide a unique venue for filmmakers that share a creative view that incorporates a blend of races, cultures, genders, and ethnicities,” says Seiji Horibuchi, the founder of NEW PEOPLE and President and CEO of VIZ Pictures, “Dr. Hassan Zee is a writer, producer and director with a rich and varied background in media including radio, television and film, and Bicycle Bride follows a fine tradition of romantic comedies like Bend It Like Beckham, Eat Drink Man Woman and My Big Fat Greek Wedding.”
Though he has a doctoral degree in medicine back in his home country of Pakistan, filmmaking was always director Hassan Zee’s preferred practice. Through his work, Zee has discovered innovative ways of challenging rigid perceptions and prejudices through pioneering and poetic storytelling. Hassan Zee has been passionate about film since he was young but started his filmmaking journey in 2005 by writing, producing and directing “Night Of Henna” his first feature film, which played nationally in over 20 American cities. The film was shot by three time Emmy Award nominee Hiro Narita. Sound was done by Will Storkson (Adaptation, Lost in Translation). Zee has been featured in the New York Times and Village Voice. In 2007, Zee wrote and directed his second project, Destination Love, this time for television. Bicycle Bride is Zee’s third feature.
For more information on Bicycle Bride, please visit: www.bicyclebride.com.
VIZ Cinema is the nation’s only movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.
NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located in San Francisco at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com.
OBSESSIONS ARE THE SUBJECT OF CELEBRATION AT VIZ CINEMA FILM SCREENINGS AND EVENTS THROUGHOUT MAY
May 5, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
A Fantastic Array Of Japanese Films Feature Surfing, Godzilla, Giant Robots, And The End Of The World To Make This A Month With Something For Every Moviegoer
San Francisco, CA, May 3, 2010 – May is a month to celebrate obsessions at VIZ Cinema. The nation’s only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese film, unfolds its most varied line-up yet, spotlighting a variety of obsessions ranging from surfing to art to science fiction and anime.
VIZ Cinema complements a remarkable new exhibit – THE SURF SHOP – opening Saturday, May 15t in the SUPERFROG Gallery featuring Japanese surf-inspired art, custom surfboards and more with a special BIG SURF weekend of new and classic surfing films. Sci-fi fans will want to catch VIZ Cinema’s first-ever Kaiju Shakedown Godzillathon, with four films featuring the world’s most famous Japanese monster dinosaur on 35mm prints! The theatre is also proud to team with Bandai Entertainment to present the exclusive U.S. premiere of The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, based on the smash-hit anime TV series. Moviegoers also can look forward to 7 other anime feature films all playing throughout the month of May at VIZ Cinema!
Battle League Horumo, Playing Now Thru May 6th
This combat action comedy is based on the best-selling fantasy novel by Manabu Makime. As a college freshman, Akira Abe joins the club “Azure Dragon” to get closer to his dream girl. At first, the club appears to be an ordinary social club but the new members soon find out about the 1000 year-old tradition upheld by the four universities of Kyoto and the “Horumo” battle. Members must go through rigorous training and learn to manipulate an army of Oni spirits. Starring Takayuki Yamada (Train Man) and Chiaki Kuriyama (Kill Bill Vol. 1).
Makato Aida: Cynic in the Playground, One-Night-Only! Tuesday, May 4th
Come celebrate the VIZ Pictures NEW PEOPLE Artist Series DVD release of Makoto Aida: Cynic in the Playground, which captures the controversial artist he creates his “Human Project” and “Shinjuku Castle,” as well as various moments in his personal life. Aida is internationally known for his diverse and provocative works in various media such as painting, art installations and Japanese manga, and his unique character surfaces through an intense creative process.
Kaiju Shakedown: Godzillathon!, May 8th – May 13th
Catch a 5-day marathon of screenings of the Big G’s 4 most-loved films on 35mm prints with English overdubbing, including Godzilla vs. Hedorah (1971), Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972), Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973), and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974). Details and screening times at: www.vizcinema.com .
LEARN THE HISTORY AND MYTH OF GODZILLA BEFORE THE EVENT!
TokyoScope Talk Vol.3: War of the Giant Monsters
Don’t miss the Editor-in-Chief of Otaku USA, Patrick Macias’ 3rd volume of TokyoScope Talk – War of the Giant Monsters as he welcomes two experts on Japanese monster films and also enter the giveaway raffle for DVD Gamera: The Giant Monster (1965)’s new release! Donated by Shout! Factory. ( Get more info about this DVD>> )
The BIG SURF Weekend Saturday & Sunday, May 14th – 15th
Coinciding with our new art exhibit THE SURF SHOP at our SUPERFROG gallery , VIZ Cinema is taken over by wave shredding surf movies for the exhibition’s opening weekend! Join the carefree and thrilling surf life and feel the breeze rushing over the rolling waves.
David Brown Special: A Double Feature
**With appearance of Director and Co-Producer!
Surfing for Life, May 14th, 7:00pm
This is a vibrant and award-winning documentary about inspiring well-spent lives and offers a totally fresh look at successful aging. Narrated by Beau Bridges, it profiles ten legendary surfers who model healthy aging by staying active and engaged into their 70s, 80s, and even 90s. http://www.surfingforlife.com/
Of Wind and Waves: The Life of Woody Brown, May 14th, 8:30pm
Nominated for an Emmy Award for Best Documentary, Of Wind and Waves: The Life of Woody Brown is a new documentary by the Director of Surfing for Life and profiles a legend in the worlds of surfing, sailing and soaring. The film won the “Inspiration Award” at Mountain Film in Telluride, “Best Surfing Film” at the Byron Bay Film Festival in Australia, and over 20 other international awards.
THE SURF SHOP Short Films (3 in a row), May 15th, 12:00pm
3 short films in conjunction with THE SURF SHOP exhibition of SUPERFROG Gallery capture the styles of Japanese surfers.
Monster Wave In Cape Ashizuri
A monster lives off the shore of Cape Ashizuri of Kochi, Japan. This short documentary film captures career surfers challenging the legendary monster waves.
Kokoro
Through the stunning sound and visuals of this short film, Director Keiichiro Mukai sends his wish to the next generation: co-existence with nature. A heart-felt piece.
Glacier Diary
Not quite a surfing film, Glacier Diary uses similar film techniques used to capture waves for a visceral trip down iced slopes! As part of THE SURF SHOP exhibition, filmmaker Takatoshi Okura tells an amazing story of a glacier photographer’s’ challenge and triumph in Patagonia.
Bruce Brown’s The Endless Summer 1 & 2
The Endless Summer, 2:00pm
Surfing documentary filmmaker Bruce Brown’s most acclaimed and cherished piece follows two young surfers in search of the perfect wave, as they meet interesting characters around the world. The ultimate surfing classic!
The Endless Summer 2, 4:10pm
A timeless journey continues as Bruce Brown, the king of surfing documentaries, returns after nearly thirty years to trace the steps of the same two surfers as they travel to top surfing spots around the world. A precious film that also documents surfing becoming an influential fashionable subculture through time
Sci-fi Anime Madness, Saturday, May 15th – Thursday, May 20th
Royal Space Force, Monday, May 17th & Tuesday, May 18th
Evangelion 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone, Saturday, 5/15 & Monday, 5/17 & Tuesday, 5/18
Gundam Movie Madness, Sunday, May 16th
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam: Heirs to the Stars, 1:00pm
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam II: Lovers, 3:00pm
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam III: Love is the Pulse of the Stars, 5:00pm
Ghost in the Shell Special, Wednesday, May 19th
You can experience Ghost in the Shell in the original version and/or in CGI enhanced!
Ghost in the Shell (Original version) 5:00pm
Ghost in the Shell 2.0 (3D-CGI version) 7:00pm
(*The 3D CGI version is not in 3D; 2.0 is the visually enhanced version, not the second movie)
20th Century Boys 3: Redemption, One-Night-Only! Thursday, May 20th, 7:00pm
Based on the manga by Naoki Urasawa. The final chapter of the smash hit sci-fi action trilogy has arrived. As World President, Friend tells everyone that mankind will soon be destroyed and only those who believe in him will be saved. As a familiar song plays from the radio, is it proof that Kenji is still alive? Everyone is ready to make their final stand as all mysteries are soon revealed. Ticket price: $25 including movie ticket, DVD, poster & more! Regular Admission: $10. No discounts apply.
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya Friday, May 21st – Saturday June 5th
Don’t miss the exclusive U.S. Premiere of the mega hit anime movie The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya, presented in association with Bandai Entertainment! Ten days before Christmas, Haruhi came up with another one of her crazy ideas to hold a Christmas party in the club room. The next day, however, Kyon woke up to a world in which Haruhi didn’t exist and no one besides him had any memory of her. How can someone like Haruhi Suzumiya who’s supposed to be the center of the universe just vanish?
VIZ Cinema is the nation’s only movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.
NEW PEOPLE & VIZ CINEMA HOST BAY AREA GODZILLA-THON MOVIE FESTIVAL
April 26, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
GIANT MONSTERS INVADE SAN FRANCICSO
THE BIGGEST CELEBRITY FROM JAPAN – GODZILLA – CRASHES VIZ CINEMA FOR SPECIAL FILM AND DISCUSSION EVENTS IN MAY
VIZ Cinema Hosts Kaiju Shakedown! Godzillathon! And TokyoScope Talk Vol. 3 Features War Of The Giant Monsters Discussion And Prize Raffle Of New Gamera DVD
San Francisco, CA, April 26, 2010 – NEW PEOPLE and VIZ Cinema welcome the 3rd and latest installment of TokyoScope Talk – War of the Giant Monsters – on Friday, May 7th at 7:00pm. Join Otaku USA Editor-in-Chief Patrick Macias, Eiji Tsuburaya: Master of Monsters author August Ragone, and Japanese film critic Tomohiro Machiyama at the Bay Area’s hottest film venue for a fun and lively discussion on the “kaiju” (monster) movies featuring rare images and clips of Godzilla, Mothra, Gamera and other iconic creatures from classic Japanese sci-fi cinema. General admission tickets are $10.00.
VIZ Cinema invites Bay Area monster fans to a 5-day Kaiju Shakedown: Godzillathon!, running Saturday, May 8th thru Thursday, May 13th. Featured will be rare screenings of the Big G’s 4 most-loved films including Godzilla vs. Hedora (1971), Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972), Godzilla vs. Megalon (1973), and Godzilla vs. Mechagodzilla (1974). Details and screening times at: www.vizcinema.com.
Don’t miss a rare chance to see the beauty and enormity of Godzilla in stunning 35mm prints with English subtitles and a premium THX®-certified sound system! These events may sell-out. Ticket prices: General Admission: $10.00; Senior & Child: $8.00. Advance tickets on sale at: http://www.newpeopleworld.com/films/films-5-2010/#godzillathon
TokyoScope Talk – War of the Giant Monsters will feature a special raffle giveaway of premium monster collectables including the brand new DVD release from Shout! Factory of Gamera: The Giant Monster (1965). The revered classic features the original Japanese version of the film presented with fresh English subtitles and anamorphic widescreen produced from an all-new HD master created from original vault elements.
VIZ Cinema is the nation’s first movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.
About NEW PEOPLE
NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com.
INNOVATIVE NEW FILM – EATRIP – EXPLORES HOW FOOD CONNECTS PEOPLE AND THE RELATIONSHIPS ALL HUMANS MAKE WITH EATING
March 31, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Director And Culinary Provocateur Yuri Nomura To Host Dinner And Discussion;
Tickets Available To Attend A Unique Event Presented In Association With Owner Of
PEKO-PEKO
San Francisco, CA, March 31, 2010 – VIZ Cinema and NEW PEOPLE are honored to welcome creative culinary visionary and film director Yuri Nomura for the U.S. premiere of Eatrip, her acclaimed documentary about eating and the personal relationships that people form with food. Nomura will attend the U.S. premiere of Eatrip at VIZ Cinema on April 10th as part of the 43rd annual Cherry Blossom Festival in San Francisco’s Japantown.
Tickets are also available to attend a unique reception with food presentation and discussion to be hosted by Nomura the evening of the premiere. The event is presented in partnership with Sylvan Mishima Brackett, the owner of PEKO-PEKO and the former creative director of the world-renowned restaurant, Chez Panisse, in Berkeley, CA. VIP tickets are $50.00 and include reception (April 10th, 7:00pm) and are now available for purchase online at the NEW PEOPLE / VIZ Cinema web site at: www.vizcinema.com
Discover a variety of scrumptious dishes, prepared by Nomura and Beckett, and learn more about this innovative philosophy of food and how it shapes our culture and humanity.
To eat is more than a necessity – it’s a universal experience all human beings share. Eatrip embarks on a cinematic journey throughout Japan to examine the daily rituals of eating among people from a variety of walks of life. Actor Tadanobu Asano
Trailers, screening times and more information available at: www.vizcinema.com
VIZ Cinema is the nation’s only movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.
NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com
VIZ CINEMA & NEW PEOPLE ANNOUNCE ARTIST FILM FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND 3/6-3/9
March 2, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
SAMPLE NEW DOCUMENTARIES ON SIX OF JAPAN’S MOST ACCLAIMED CONTEMPORARY MODERN ARTISTS IN THE
NEW PEOPLE ARTIST SERIES
FILM FESTIVAL PLAYING AT VIZ CINEMA IN MARCH
Bay Area Art And Pop Culture Fans Invited To Screen New Films That Profile Artists Such As Hisashi Tenmyouya, Makoto Aida, Katsura Funakoshi And Yayoi Kusama
San Francisco, CA, March 2, 2010 – VIZ Cinema, the nation’s only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese film, will present the NEW PEOPLE Artist Series Festival, a special collection of six insightful documentaries each profiling a unique Japanese contemporary artist.
The 4-day festival runs March 6th – 9th and will feature the U.S. theatrical premieres of Hisashi Tenmyouya: Samurai Nouveau, Makoto Aida: Cynic in the Playground, and Katsura Funakoshi: Whispering Gaze, as well as encore runs of Traveling with Yoshitomo Nara, Yayoi Kusama: I Love ME and Daido Moriyama: Stray Dog of Tokyo. Special festival passes are available for $30.00 offering access to ANY screening at ANY time during the festival! General admission tickets for individual films are available for $10.00 each. Seniors (+62) and Children (under 12) are $8.00. More details and trailers for each film are available at www.vizcinema.com <http://www.vizcinema.com> .
Hisashi Tenmyouya: Samurai Nouveau; 3/6 Sat., 1:00pm & 3/7 Sun., 3:00pm
A graphic designer turned contemporary artist, Hisashi Tenmyouya brings his own style of Neo-Traditional Japanese painting to the art world. Born in Tokyo in 1966, Hisashi Tenmyouya is the one of the hottest Japanese painters. He has mastered the traditional techniques while also incorporating motifs taken tattoo, graffiti, and street gang culture to create his own ‘Neo-Japanese Painting’ style. In 2008, his rending of Gundam sold for $650,000 at the Christie’s auction in Hong Kong. Tenmyouya reveals his soul through melding of modern urban subjects with traditional methods of painting. DVD will be available on March 9th from VIZ Pictures in the NEW PEOPLE retail store.
Makoto Aida: Cynic in the Playground; 3/6 Sat., 3:00pm & 3/7 Sun., 5:00pm
Known for his diverse and controversial works, Makoto Aida shares his art and private life as he creates his “Human Project” and “Shinjuku Castle.” Working in mediums of paint, video installation, and Japanese manga comics, Aida’s work exhibits dark cynicism and lowbrow humor as he tackles controversial subjects such as terrorism, pedophilia, and societal misogyny, but through his creative process, Aida’s unique character surfaces. Born in 1965 in Niigata, Japan, Makoto Aida now lives and works in the city of Chiba. He is represented by Mizuma Art Gallery in Tokyo and has had solo shows at London’s IBID Projects and at Lisa Dent Gallery in San Francisco. His group shows include The American Effect: Global Perspectives on the United States, 1990-2003 at the Whitney Museum of American Art and the XXV Biennale de São Paulo. His work is also featured in the permanent collections of the Tokyo Museum of Art and the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art.
Katsura Funakoshi: Whispering Gaze; 3/6 Sat., 5:00pm & 3/8 Mon., 7:00pm
Witness the visionary sculptor Katsura Funakoshi as he quietly breathes life into camphor wood. Audiences will follow the artist as he works in his atelier, preps for exhibitions, and speaks at lectures. The simple, warm and gentle figures carved by Funakoshi can be attributed to the juxtapositions of precise calculations and accidental occurrences. His human-like sculptures are said to draw in viewers with their distant marble gaze as if pondering philosophical thoughts and projecting subtle yet bold emotions.
Daido Moriyama: Stray Dog of Tokyo; 3/6 Sat., 7:00pm & 3/8 Mon., 5:00pm
Daido Moriyama has been a major force in the world of artistic photography since the late 60’s, but his true persona has been hidden behind a veil of mystery since he has refused any major media appearances – until now. This new documentary follows the charismatic Moriyama as he takes his first digital photos and displays his trademark photographic technique of taking quick snapshots without looking in the viewfinder. Often shot in black and white, out of focus and dramatically cropped or tilted, the themes of Moriyama’s images have been said to convey a sense of the disordered human condition and the conflicting realities of modern urban life. DVD is available from VIZ Pictures in the NEW PEOPLE retail store.
Yayoi Kusama: I Love ME; 3/7 Sun., 1:00pm & 3/9 Tue., 7:00pm
Artist Yayoi Kusama is an avant-garde sculptor, painter, and novelist and her visual style is often characterized by a liberal use of polka dots and nets to achieve a so-called “infinity effect.” This film documents Kusama’s creative process over the course of a year-and-a-half as she completes a series of 50 large monochrome drawings. As her work comes to life, one witnesses the essence of her artistic voice as it builds on themes about the conflicts between life, death, and love – sometimes quietly and sometimes not. Her self-confidence and dignified spirit is evident throughout the insightful film. Yayoi Kusama has been widely acclaimed by the international art world for more than 50 years. In 2006, she received the Japanese National Lifetime Achievement Award, one of Japan’s most prestigious prizes for internationally recognized artists. Her work has been exhibited with the likes of Andy Warhol and Jasper Johns and also shown at preeminent venues like the Museum of Modern Art in New York City and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. DVD is available from VIZ Pictures in the NEW PEOPLE retail store.
Traveling with Yoshitomo Nara: 3/7 Sun., 7:00pm & 3/9 Tue., 5:00pm
Traveling with Yoshitomo Nara was directed by Koji Sakabe and captures the journey that the artist, Yoshitomo Nara, took during the creation of his exhibit, AtoZ, in his hometown of Hirosaki, Japan. The film is notably narrated by Aoi Miyazaki, an up-and-coming Japanese actress who appeared in the acclaimed manga-inspired film NANA (VIZ Pictures). Yoshitomo Nara’s work has captured the attention of the international art world and his cartoon-like girl images with characteristic big heads, chubby-faces and slanted eyes have become icons of the artist’s style. His paintings and sculptures have been auctioned at Sotheby’s and his sculpture, Light My Fire (2001), sold for over $1.1 million. DVD is available from VIZ Pictures in the NEW PEOPLE retail store.
VIZ Cinema is the nation’s only movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.
NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located in San Francisco at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com <http://www.NewPeopleWorld.com> .
VIZ CINEMA INVITES ANIME AND SCI-FI FANS TO ATTEND SPECIAL FILM EVENTS IN FEBRUARY
January 29, 2010 by PRESS · Leave a Comment
Theatre Scheduled To Present A DEATH NOTE Film Marathon,
20th CENTURY BOYS DVD Release Party And A GURREN LAGANN
Encore Double Feature
San Francisco, CA, January 28, 2010 – VIZ Cinema, the nation’s first and only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese film, gives Bay Area anime, sci-fi and pop culture fans a variety of special movie events to look forward to throughout February.
VIZ Cinema leads off with Death Note movie marathon on Saturday, January 30th in support of the Animation On Display convention (January 30th–31st) taking place at the nearby Hotel Kabuki. On February 9th, the theatre will screen 20th Century Boys 2: The Last Hope to celebrate the release of the second DVD of the exciting live-action film trilogy from VIZ Pictures. Rounding out the month’s anime-related events will be an encore double-feature presentation of Gurren Lagann: The Movie 1 & 2 – for one night only – on Sunday February 21st. VIZ Cinema offers special combo tickets for $15.00 for the Death Note and Gurren Lagann double-feature showings. Preview trailers and screening times for all films are available at: http://www.vizcinema.com.
DEATH NOTE
Saturday, January 30th, 7:30pm
Sample the action and suspense of the live-action films based on the bestselling supernatural mystery manga that sold over 15 million copies! The story begins when ace student Light Yagami finds the Death Note, a notebook dropped by a rogue “Shinigami” death god named Ryuk. Any human whose name is written in the notebook will die. Upset with the justice system, Light takes matters into his own hands and vows to use the power of the Death Note to rid the world of all evil. Special discount combo tickets available for $15.00 for films 1 & 2! Regular admission is $10.00 when purchased separately. Animation On Display attendees receive $2.00 off the regular price with attendee badges. No additional discount will apply to $15.00 combo tickets.
DEATH NOTE 2: THE LAST NAME
Saturday, January 30th, 10:00pm
Death Note 2: The Last Name begins on the heels of the first movie as Light Yagami joins the investigation team in pursuit of the serial killer known as “Kira.” While L still strongly suspects that Light is “Kira,” Light tries to uncover L’s real name so he can kill him with his Death Note. But things get complicated when a new rash of murders all around the world take place, with a “Second Kira” claiming responsibility. Light learns the identity of the Second Kira and suggests they join forces to get rid of L. Will L be able to catch “Kira” before he is killed?
20th CENTURY BOYS 2: THE LAST HOPE
Tuesday, February 9th 7:30pm
Don’t miss the exclusive event preceding the long-awaited DVD release of 20th Century Boys 2 from VIZ Pictures. It’s now 2015, and Friend rules a disturbing new world. Kenji’s niece, Kanna, is now in high school and her textbook contains a fabricated story about him being the terrorist behind the horrific events of 2000. Kanna, knowing the truth, openly resents this, and as a result she is marked as a problem child and sent to Friend Land, a facility where people with rebellious anti-Friend behavior are re-educated. There Kanna learns a crucial secret about Friend. Tickets for this special screening are $25.00 and will include a copy of the 20th Century Boys 2 DVD, a postcard, and NEW PEOPLE pin buttons to all who attend. $10.00 tickets are also available for regular admission.
Gurren Lagann: The Movie ~ Childhood’s End
Sunday, February 21st 5:00pm
Based on the hit animated television series, this sci-fi feature takes place in a fictional future in which human beings have been forced to live in closed-off underground villages. Kamina and Simon are constrained by the limits imposed by the village elder. Yet, all this will change when Simon stumbles across a fantastic mechanized device – just as the village’s peace is broken by a violent intrusion. Special discount combo ticket is now available for $15.00 to watch films 1 & 2.
Gurren Lagann: The Movie 2 ~ The Lights In The Sky Are Stars
Sunday, February 21st 7:30pm
Overcoming the loss of loved ones, Simon survived mortal combat with the Beastmen leader Lordgenome. Seven years later, humans have returned to the surface to build a flourishing civilization. But, the peaceful times don’t last forever as humans begin developing beyond their world into outer space and encounter an unknown enemy.
VIZ Cinema is the nation’s first movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system. Tickets and schedules are available at www.vizcinema.com.
THE POWER OF LOVE TO RENEW, REDEEM AND RECONNECT IS EXPLORED IN POIGNANT NEW FILMS PREMIERING AT VIZ CINEMA IN FEBRUARY
January 27, 2010 by J!-ENT · Leave a Comment
Theatre Is Proud To Present Two Films By Director Isshin Inudo And Announces A Special Encore Anime Double-Feature
San Francisco, CA, January 26, 2010 – February is the month of love and VIZ Cinema, the nation’s first and only movie theatre dedicated to Japanese film, sweetens this theme with a pair of captivating love stories by director Isshin Inudo, presented in association with Asmik Ace Entertainment. Don’t miss the chance to attend the West Coast premieres of these heartwarming cinematic masterpieces. How far would you go in the name of LOVE?
VIZ Cinema is privileged to present director Inudo’s Josee, The Tiger and The Fish, screening February 5th –18th; and La Maison De Himiko, showing February 18th – March 4th. To celebrate the spirit of Valentine’s Day for the entire month of February, filmgoers who also bring a date (or a friend) will receive a special 50% discount on the second person’s admission.
Anime fans can also look forward to a special double-feature encore showing of Gurren Lagann: The Movie 1 & 2 – for one night only – on Sunday February 21st at 5:00pm and 7:30pm respectively. VIZ Cinema will offer special combo tickets for $15.00 to attend both showings. Preview trailers and screening times for all films are available at: http://www.vizcinema.com.
Isshin Inudo first gained fame as an innovative director of television commercials. But he started garnering international accolades with his first feature film, Two, Talking (1994), which won the Grand Prix award at the Sundance Film Festival in Tokyo and the Best New Director award from the Japanese Film Director’s Association.
Josee, The Tiger and The Fish, February 5th – February 18th REGIONAL PREMIERE
Love blooms between two unlikely people when college student Tsuneo meets Kumiko, aka “Josee,” a young woman who embraces life with a feisty personality, despite cerebral palsy and her need for a baby buggy for transport. Isshin Inudo deftly adapts author Seiko Tanabe’s short story into a poignant feature film that was a genuine crowd pleaser and won numerous awards including a Best New Director Award from The Japanese Minister of Education. The Tiger and The Fish takes a place alongside memorable films such as Benny & Joon, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and Rory O’Shea Was Here and captures the resilience of the human spirit in the face of physical handicaps and shows how love can flourish with pride and self-determination.
La Maison De Himiko, February 18th – March 4th REGIONAL PREMIERE
Family secrets, redemption, and the power of love to renew family bonds are explored between a father and daughter who can’t understand each other and a man and a woman who can’t love each other. Their odd and beautiful stories are brought to life by director Inudo against a backdrop of a colorful homosexual retirement home. Teenage Saori despises her father, who chose to leave her mother to live a new life out of the closet. But family ties are recalled as she learns of her father’s terminal cancer; and her curiosity is piqued by a beautiful and mysterious young man who delivers the message and claims to be her father’s lover. La Maison De Himiko explores homosexuality in Japan and also how people affirm or deny the stereotypes society imposes and how they embrace their decisions and individuality, and love’s ultimate power to redeem.
Gurren Lagann: The Movie ~ Childhood’s End
Sunday, February 21st 5:00pm
Based on the hit animated television series, this sci-fi feature takes place in a fictional future in which human beings have been forced to live in closed-off underground villages. Kamina and Simon are constrained by the limits imposed by the village elder. Yet, all this will change when Simon stumbles across a fantastic mechanized device – just as the village’s peace is broken by a violent intrusion.
Gurren Lagann: The Movie 2 ~ The Lights In The Sky Are Stars
Sunday, February 21st 7:30pm
Overcoming the loss of loved ones, Simon survived mortal combat with the Beastmen leader Lordgenome. Seven years later, humans have returned to the surface to build a flourishing civilization. But, the peaceful times don’t last forever as humans begin developing beyond their world into outer space and encounter an unknown enemy.
VIZ Cinema is the nation’s first movie theatre devoted exclusively to Japanese film and anime. The 143-seat subterranean theatre is located in the basement of the NEW PEOPLE building and features plush seating, digital as well as 35mm projection, and a THX®-certified sound system.
NEW PEOPLE offers the latest films, art, fashion and retail brands from Japan and is the creative vision of the J-Pop Center Project and VIZ Pictures, a distributor and producer of Japanese live action film. Located at 1746 Post Street, the 20,000 square foot structure features a striking 3-floor transparent glass façade that frames a fun and exotic new environment to engage the imagination into the 21st Century. A dedicated web site is also now available at: www.NewPeopleWorld.com <http://www.NewPeopleWorld.com> .
