'Japan Cuts', Not Sandwiches, New Japanese Films Festival, New York, July 2-13

Tired of the same old film talent, want fresh cuts instead of stale ones, the Japan Society brings new celluloid heroes to New York with Japan Cuts.

From July 2 to July 13, Japan Cuts presents 18 feature films getting their U.S and/or NY premiere  plus a sidebar tribute to late filmmaker Kon Ichikawa.

They run the gamut from Sukiyaki Western Django (on July 5th) an homage to spaghetti western by Takashi Miike, featuring you would have guessed Quentin Tarantino to A Gentle Breeze in the Village (Tennen kokekko) based on a popular manga, a tender coming-of-age love story set deep in Japan's countryside, by director Nobuhiro Yamashita (showing on closing day, July 13).

The short form will also get a chance to shine with over 60 short films from Japan's emerging independent filmmakers, video artists and a special highlight on Naomi Kawase.

The Japan Cuts Trailer above was created by Motomichi, the Japanese visual artist based in New York.

Films from July 3 to 6 are co-presented with the New York Asian Film Festival.

On the Big Screen for Tokyo Thursdays #44

Other New York-Tokyo Links: In 'Japanamerica', Roland Kelts rides the New York-Tokyo Express