Projections

This year, Japan Impact is proud to present an exceptional film: Godzilla Minus One. This feature-length film revisits the Godzilla myth, anchoring its story in a post-war Japan, where chaos rubs shoulders with tales of courage and humanity.

Oscar-winning for its breathtaking visual effects, the film offers a gripping immersion into a world where human resilience is put to the test in the face of a titanic threat.

Synopsis

In 1945, as Japan recovers from the ravages of the Second World War, a new threat emerges from the depths: Godzilla, a gigantic, destructive creature that seems unstoppable. In the midst of this chaos, Shikishima, a guilt-ridden former kamikaze pilot, tries to rebuild his life in bomb-scarred Tokyo. But in the face of the monster’s inexorable advance, he unwillingly finds himself embarked on a perilous mission, accompanied by a crew determined to protect their country at all costs. Between despair and determination, the film tells the story of a desperate struggle for survival, where human courage comes up against the immensity of an almost divine adversary. With its spectacular scenes and deeply immersive direction, “Godzilla Minus One” reminds us that, in the face of the most immense challenges, it is sometimes in our human failings that our greatest strength lies.

• Legal age: 13 (suggested age: 15)
• Voice : Japanese - French subtitles

The Boy and the Heron is the latest masterpiece by the renowned Hayao Miyazaki. In this deeply poetic work, Miyazaki explores themes of grief, resilience and the quest for self, in a magical, introspective universe.

Renowned for its sublime animation and captivating storytelling, this film will take you on an unforgettable journey where reality and imagination blend with moving intensity.

Synopsis

During the Pacific War, Mahito, a young boy, must face the loss of his mother, who died in a fire in Tokyo. Soon after, his father remarries his late wife’s sister, Natsuko, and the family moves to the countryside. In this isolated environment, Mahito struggles to find his place and overcome his grief. His life takes a turn when a supernatural grey heron begins to torment him. Following the strange creature, he discovers a mysterious tower, a vestige of a forgotten past. This enigmatic place becomes the gateway to a fantastic world populated by strange characters and challenges. Guided by life-changing encounters and a fierce determination to protect his family, Mahito embarks on a quest to confront his own fears and find the strength to move forward. With its majestic art direction and universal themes, “The Boy and the Heron” reminds us of the beauty and fragility of our family ties, and the courage needed to build a bright future.

• Legal age: 10 (suggested age: 12)
• Voice : Japanese - French subtitles