Part of our Japanese Theatre Series.

Directed by Paul Schrader | USA | 120 mins

In 1985, director Paul Schrader (First Reformed, Cat People) released his long gestating bio pic on controversial Japanese writer, Yukio Mishima. Utilizing a mix of traditional Hollywood storytelling, stunningly choreographed stylized set pieces inspired by Japanese art and film, and a stunning Philip Glass score, Mishima is a marvel. It showcases the vision of not only director Schrader’s underrated talents, but of Yukio Mishima himself. A man whose charismatic personality, provocative talent, life and work all came together in his own lifetime to become a spectacle of public theatre. 

-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.

Part of our Japanese Theatre Series.

Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi | Japan | 102 mins

Based on the famous joruri play, where a singer and shamisen player accompany a bunraku puppet performance, this film from the acclaimed director Kenji Mizoguchi is considered one of the masterpieces of Japanese cinema. Featuring an unforgettable visual style inspired by traditional woodcuts and scroll paintings, and showcasing Mizoguchi's famous long takes, the film is a stirring critique of the forces of greed, social conformity, and misogyny in traditional Japanese society. Set in the 18th century, the story centres on a complex web of relationships between an elderly scroll maker in Kyoto, his young wife, their maid, and his top apprentice, with tragedy dogging the characters due to a series of presumed affairs and infidelities.

-Written by Ben Rowe

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.

The Calgary Cinematheque is delighted to present a Kinugasa double feature. Enjoy A Page of Madness (1926) at 7 pm & Gate of Hell (1953) at 9 pm on January 6, 2022. Get your ticket for the discounted price of $18!

Part of our Japanese Theatre Series.

Directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa | Japan | 70 mins

One of the most unique films of the Japanese silent era. Created by an avant-garde movement of artists known as the Shinkankakuha (School of New Perceptions), which rejected naturalistic styles. Highly influenced by Noh theatre, including a finale utilizing traditional Noh masks, A Page of Madness is commonly interpreted as an early horror film. We say "commonly interpreted" because with its avant-garde editing, potentially non-linear narrative, and lack of title cards, the film's story is left open to audience interpretation. During its original theatrical run, the film would have been accompanied by a narrator called a benshi, who would have given an interpretation of the events onscreen based on the film's written scenario. Set in an asylum in contemporary Japan, the film's plot includes dream sequences and fantasies that blur the line between fantasy and reality, calling the sanity of its characters into question. Thought to be a lost film for decades, it was rediscovered by the director himself in 1971, buried in his garden shed.

-Written by Ben Rowe

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.

The Calgary Cinematheque is delighted to present a Kinugasa double feature. Enjoy A Page of Madness (1926) at 7 pm & Gate of Hell (1953) at 9 pm on January 6, 2022. Get your ticket for the discounted price of $18!

Part of our Japanese Theatre Series.

Directed by Teinosuke Kinugasa | Japan | 89 mins

Named by Martin Scorsese as one of the greatest color films ever made, Teinosuke Kinugasa’s Gate of Hell is a stylized vision of overwhelming passions contained within ritualistic societal bounds. Kinugasa used his own experience playing female roles in Japanese theatrical productions to frame the story of samurai Moritoh’s (Kazuo Hasegawa) obsession with the young maiden (Machiko Kyo) who he rescues from death, only to be unable to respect the fact that she is already married. With passionately fiery colour compositions, Oscar winning costumes and sets resembling the most exquisite of Japanese woodcuts, Gate of Hell is a supernova of superlative beauty and emotion.

-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.

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.

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 Keisuke Kinoshita | Japan | 98 mins

In a village high in the rural mountains of Japan, resourceful Grandma Orin lives in harmony with her family and community. Still strong and vital, Orin prepares herself for a ritual that every person in the community who reaches the age of 72 must undergo: A journey to the summit of nearby Mount Narayama, where she will be left to die at the mercy of the elements. Director Keisuke Kinoshita creates from this simple fable perhaps the greatest and most visually stunning of Japan’s Kabuki influenced films. Utilizing ethereal set design and evocative cinematography, The Ballad of Narayama unfolds like a fairy tale dream from an ancient time. 

One of the most beautiful and moving mythic visions ever put on screen, it is a film of radiant theatrical technique and startling emotional impact. 

-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.

Part of our Japanese Theatre Series.

Directed by Kon Ichikawa | Japan | 113 mins

An Actor's Revenge is a backstage drama set in the world of kabuki theatre following the efforts of anonnagata, played by legendary actor Kazuo Hasegawa in his 300th film, to enact a dramatic vengeance against the men responsible for his parents' deaths. With dazzling colour widescreen cinematography, director Kon Ichikawa plays with the conventions of stage melodrama and the line between fiction and reality within the fractured mind of his vengeful protagonist.

-Written by Ben Rowe

Please read our COVID-19 Guidelines and Info page before planning your visit!

Community Partner: Calgary Japanese Community Association

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.

Part of our Japanese Theatre Series.

Directed by Akira Kurosawa| Japan | 109 mins

With Throne of Blood, master filmmaker Akira Kurosawa transposed the formal elements of Noh theatre and William Shakespeare, and created one of his most acclaimed, gothic and powerful dramas. Kurosawa casts the iconic Toshiro Mifune as Samurai Lord Washizu. Led by a malevolent witch’s prophecy, and goaded by his viperous wife (the great Isuzu Yamada), Washizu plunges into a supernatural world of desire, revenge and dark justice. Sometimes called Kurosawa’s only horror film, Throne of Blood engulfs the spectator in a foggy, supernatural and elemental world where occult fate and human ambition combine to create one of the great cinematic experiences.

-Written by Scott Lang

Community Partner: Calgary Japanese Community Association

Please read our COVID-19 Guidelines and Info page before planning your visit!

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.