Nippon Connection Japanese Film Festival (Frankfurt, Germany) | 6-11 Jun 2023

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The Nippon Connection Film Festival is the biggest platform for Japanese cinema worldwide and takes place annually on six days in early summer at Künstlerhaus Mousonturm, NAXOS, Cinema of the DFF – Deutsches Filminstitut & Filmmuseum, Eldorado Arthouse Cinema, Mal Seh'n cinema and other locations in Frankfurt am Main. The unique film and cultural program covers a wide range of events, including both traditional and modern aspects of Japanese culture. The 23rd Nippon Connection Film Festival takes place from June 6 to 11, 2023 in Frankfurt am Main.

In 2022, more than 17,400 visitors attended the festival events in presence and online. The festival was founded in 2000 and is mainly organized on a voluntary basis by the non-profit Nippon Connection registered association. In 2022, the festival was under the patronage of Angela Dorn, Hessian Minister for Science and Art, the Mayor of the City of Frankfurt am Main, and the Consulate General of Japan in Frankfurt am Main.

The Film Program

Japan is one of the most innovative and diverse film countries in the world. Every year, the Nippon Connection Festival presents a cross section of current Japanese film production with around 100 films, from short films and documentaries to animated and feature films, including many German, European, and international premieres.

Numerous directors, actors, and producers attend the festival every year, introducing their films in person.

The festival presents five awards: the Nippon Honor Award, the Nippon Cinema Award, the Nippon Visions Jury Award, the Nippon Visions Audience Award, and the Nippon Docs Award.

The Supporting Program

At the Nippon Connection Festival, one can get to know Japanese culture in all its facets. The Nippon Culture section offers more than 50 events, from tea ceremony, cooking classes, shiatsu massage, performances, and exhibitions to workshops, lectures, panel discussions, concerts, karaoke, and a special kids' program.

Culinary delights are also included: At several bars and food stalls, the visitors can try Japanese drinks, sushi, ramen, and other delicacies. Moreover, sales booths offer a wide variety of books, films, and craftwork.

Press Comments

"The most important overview show of Japanese cinema outside Japan has long been one of the most important German festivals. On a list of the hundred most important international film events published by the London Raindance Festival, there are only three German festivals at all: Instead of Munich or Hamburg, they recommend the Frankfurt Japan Festival, which every year succeeds in reflecting the enormous range of this unique film country." Daniel Kothenschulte, Frankfurter Rundschau, June 13, 2020

"As the film festival with the highest attendance in the Rhein-Main region, Nippon Connection sets new records every year." Claus Wecker, Strandgut - Das Kulturmagazin, May 2018

"The definitive 'place to be' for everyone who wants to discover Japanese culture and especially exciting updates from Japanese cinema." Deadline, May 11, 2017

"What's the best place on the planet for catching up on the entire range of contemporary Japanese cinema, from experimental shorts to commercial hits? My candidate is Nippon Connection (...)" - Mark Schilling, The Japan Times, May 18, 2016

Visit the Official Website for more information