The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme, billed as the UK’s biggest festival of Japanese cinema, which has run for over 20 years, is to return this year from February 2 – March 31.
This year’s programme features the LGBTQ+ film Egoist, which is based on the autobiographical novel Egoist by TAKAYAMA Makoto, known for his insightful columns, and directed by MATSUNAGA Daishi (Pieta in the Toilet), a previous guest of the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme.
About the film:
When Kosuke (SUZUKI Ryohei) was 14 years old, his mother died, and he spent his adolescence in a rural village, suppressing his feelings as a gay man. Now working as a fashion magazine editor in Tokyo, he crosses paths with Ryuta (MIYAZAWA Hio), a personal trainer and a dedicated son to his single mother. Kosuke, known for his high-end fashion and air of superiority, and Ryuta, initially bewildered, become close and finally find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other.
Sometimes, their moments together include Ryuta’s mother (AGAWA Sawako), who evokes memories of Kosuke’s late mother. They believe their peaceful love will endure, but an unexpected twist of fate threatens their relationship when Ryuta fails to show up for a planned drive.
For more info, including screenings, CLICK HERE