Coinciding with the exhibition Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River, Japan House London is showing a series of free, public film screenings aimed at encouraging understanding of several aspects of Ainu culture, from historical and archival footage of ritual traditions to contemporary stories from the resident communities who actively work to preserve and maintain their heritage.

A specific focus is given each month to different titles. Please click the individual event pages when available for detailed information such as event times, possible age restrictions and booking links.

Screening Schedule

 

Wednesday 10 and Sunday 21 January 2024: Ainu, Indigenous People of Japan, 2019

A documentary by director Mizoguchi Naomi following the everyday life of four elder members of the Ainu community of Biratori, Hokkaidō.

Fully booked

Sunday 11 February 2024: The Ainu Bear Ceremony by Neil G. Munro, ca 1931

A restored version of the original film directed by physician, collector and writer Neil Gordon Munro, who lived in Nibutani and dedicated the last years of his life to raising awareness of Ainu culture. Showing rare footage of the Iyomante (Bear Ceremony), this screening is introduced by Stephen Hughes (Royal Anthropological Institute) and Japan House London Programming Director Simon Wright.

Please note that all those attending the screening must be at least 18 years old.

Bookings opening from 2 February 2024

Sunday 17 and Wednesday 27 March 2024 – Ainu neno an Ainu, 2021

An interwoven set of stories narrated by Maya, a young Ainu woman who grew up in Nibutani, Hokkaidō, to form an extended family album a tight-knit community working to keep their culture and language alive. The screening on 17 March is introduced by photographer and film director Laura Liverani.

Bookings opening from 1 March 2024

3 April 2024 – Ainu Past and Present: The Legacy of Neil Gordon Munro’s Film, 2007

A recent documentary made between 2005 and 2006 by Uchida Junko and members of the National Museum of Japanese History (Rekihaku) with the assistance of Tokyo Cinema Inc, the films and photos of Neil Gordon Munro, who had studied the Ainu culture for thirty years before settling in Nibutani for the last twelve years of his life.

Bookings opening from 1 March 2024

More screenings might be added as they become available.

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The exhibition Ainu Stories: Contemporary Lives by the Saru River is on display in the Gallery at Japan House London from 16 November 2023 until 21 April 2024.

Main image credit: Laura Liverani/ Prospekt Photographers

 

Booking essential | Admission free