Japan House London is delighted to present a special film season celebrating the works of Imamura Shōhei, one of Japan’s most influential and provocative filmmakers. Imamura is renowned for his raw, unfiltered portrayals of human desire, social upheaval, and the resilience of the marginalized.

This season offers a rare opportunity to explore Imamura’s diverse body of work, from his early explorations of postwar Japan to his later, internationally acclaimed masterpieces. His films challenge conventions, blending documentary realism with striking visual storytelling to reveal the complexities of human nature.

The season opens with a special screening of Black Rain, a film adaptation of Ibuse Masuji’s novel, depicting the tragic fate of people whose lives were changed by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The season will provide insight into Imamura’s cinematic approach, recurring themes, and lasting impact on world cinema. Whether you are a longtime admirer or new to his work, this series offers a compelling look at why Imamura remains a defining figure in Japanese filmmaking.

Five of Imamura’s major films will be shown at Japan House London on one Sunday afternoon of each month and a selected weekday evening.

Film Season Programme

Sunday 10 and Wednesday 27 August 2025 – Black Rain
Sunday 7 and Wednesday 24 September 2025 – The Insect Woman
Sunday 12 and Wednesday 29 October 2025 – A Man Vanishes
Sunday 23 and Wednesday 26 November 2025 – Profound Desires of the Gods
Sunday 14 and Wednesday 17 December 2025 – The Ballad of Narayama

Booking opens for each monthly title approximately two weeks in advance of the first screening.

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