Events

The San Antonio Museum of Art continues its celebration of Japanese culture next month with a film festival series and lecture that honors the early work of critically-acclaimed anime writer/director Hayao Miyazaki.

From the official press release:

“Miyazaki’s feature-length films follow legendary characters, often based on mythology or graphic novels, who experience childhood adventure and questions of morality. … While a Miyazaki film is certainly a visually stunning experience, important themes are also explored in his work. Cloaked in the surreal and mystical, issues such as good-evil duality, environmentalism, conflict resolution, and personal identity are presented through fairytale-like stories.”

The film festival will show three of Miyazaki’s early works starting at 7pm on three separate Tuesdays in November. While you can view the films for free, seating is limited and is on a first-come first-served basis. (So get there early.)

Schedule

Nov. 10: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984) Description: Themes such as environmentalism and pacifism underlie Princess Nausicaä’s efforts to rescue her people from such threats as terrifying insects and a poisonous jungle. Adapted from Miyazaki’s popular graphic novel of the same name. Rated PG.
Nov. 17: Laputa: Castle in the Sky (1986) Description: A mysterious crystal links the orphan Sheeta to a fantastic sky kingdom known as Laputa. Sheeta encounters sky pirates and a host of other colorful characters on a journey which will test her courage. Unrated.
Nov. 24: My Neighbor Totoro (1988) Description: Satsuki and her four-year-old sister Mei are in for magical adventure when they move to the countryside and befriend a forest spirit named Totoro. A charming and touching film you will long remember. Rated G.

All films shown on Disney DVD with original Japanese soundtrack. English subtitles provided.

In addition to the film series, SAMA will host a lecture by American translator and writer Frederik L. Schodt on the subject of “The Allure of Hayao Miyazaki.” Be sure to attend this special lecture at 3:00 pm on Sunday, November 8th, 2009.

From the press release:

In this talk, Schodt will explore some of the reasons for the appeal of both Hayao Miyazaki, and his films, in both Japan and the United States. … Schodt’s writings on manga, and his translations of them, helped trigger the current popularity of Japanese comics in the English-speaking world. In 2009, the Japanese Government awarded Mr. Schodt the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his work in helping to promote Japan’s popular culture in the United States.

While you’re at the museum, be sure to check out SAMA’s exhibit of Taiso Yoshitoshi’s Ukiyo-e series “Thirty-two Aspects of Daily Life.”

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