The Calgary Cinematheque is delighted to present a The Ballad of Narayama double feature over two nights. Enjoy The Ballad of Narayama (1958) & The Ballad of Narayama (1983) on December 22nd and 23rd. Get your tickets for the discounted price of $18!
Part of our Japanese Theatre Series.
Directed by Shohei Imamura | Japan | 130 mins
In 1983, acclaimed and provocative director Shohei Imamura embarked on a remake of the visionary kabuki classic, The Ballad of Narayama. Creating a potent vision of society at its most primal, Imamura transforms the same material made into a previous film of stylized intensity, into a movie of intense reality. Of society made and molded from the appetites of man. And serenely floating above it all, is kindly grandmother Orin, who radiates peace at knowing her fate atop Mount Narayama once she turns 72 years old. Imamura works some of his most powerful social realism magic, turning Orin’s story from the mythic into the everyday. This version of The Ballad of Narayama strikes a deep and resonant truth in our shared humanity. Winner of the Palme D’or (Best Film) at the 1983 Cannes Film Festival.
In a unique two night experience, Calgary Cinematheque offers a second version of The Ballad of Narayama for audience consideration and enjoyment.
-Written by Scott Lang
Please read our COVID-19 Guidelines and Info page before planning your visit!
Community Partner: Calgary Japanese Community Association
The Calgary Japanese Community Association (CJCA) is an organization of volunteers, clubs and partnerships that promote Japanese culture in Calgary and the surrounding areas. Although they’ve drastically reduced the amount of programs in their centre during covid, they still actively support a wide variety of activities. The CJCA office is based in the Calgary Nikkei Cultural & Senior Centre located at 2236-29 Street SW in Calgary. Stop by for a visit or to learn more about the organization.
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Métis Nation of Alberta, Region 3 within the historical Northwest Métis homeland. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.