ILOILO — The Japan Foundation, Manila is bringing the Japanese Film Festival 2026 to Iloilo for a 10-day run at SM City Iloilo from November 6 to 15, 2026. Admission is free for all screenings, giving Ilonggos direct access to a curated lineup of contemporary dramas, anime classics, and traditional Cinema Kabuki.
A Festival That Travels to the Regions
JFF 2026 runs from October 1 to November 29 across six cities and eight venues nationwide. For the first time, the festival expands to Cagayan de Oro, while returning to Metro Manila, Baguio, Cebu, Davao, and Iloilo. The expansion reflects the Japan Foundation's commitment to bringing Japanese cinema beyond the capital.
This year's edition marks the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Philippine-Japan Diplomatic Relations and the 30th Anniversary of the Japan Foundation, Manila. The theme, "Shared Treasure. Shared Stories.," celebrates the films, traditions, and human experiences that connect people across borders and generations.
A Lineup for Every Cinephile
The festival features 15 films spanning multiple genres. Headliners include KOKUHO, Lee Sang-il's acclaimed drama set in the world of Kabuki, which won Picture of the Year at the 49th Japan Academy Film Prize. Blue Boy Trial tackles transgender rights through a landmark 1960s court case, while TOKYO TAXI explores human connection and second chances.
Anime fans can look forward to Hayao Miyazaki's Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind and Mamoru Oshii's Ghost In The Shell 2: Innocence. Classics include Akira Kurosawa's Throne of Blood and the 4K remastered Hula Girls. The lineup also features UNDER NINJA, School Meals Time, and the Philippine-Japan co-production Kono Basho.
The Magic of Cinema Kabuki
A special highlight is the Cinema Kabuki series, which captures the artistry and spectacle of traditional Japanese theater on the big screen. Screenings include Renjishi (The Father and Son Shishi Lions) and the two-part KABUKI「KAZE NO TANI NO NAUSICAÄ」, a stage adaptation of Miyazaki's epic manga.
These presentations are part of the JFF Discover Kabuki Tour, supported by Shochiku Co., Ltd. and Japan's Agency for Cultural Affairs. The initiative introduces international audiences to Kabuki's rich traditions, from dynamic action to striking stagecraft. For Ilonggo viewers, it is a rare chance to experience a cornerstone of Japanese culture without leaving the country.
Why This Matters for Iloilo
Iloilo has a thriving student population and a growing creative community. Free access to world-class cinema removes financial barriers, allowing students, families, and film enthusiasts to participate. The festival transforms SM City Iloilo into a cultural hub for 10 days, offering high-quality entertainment at no cost.
The event also strengthens cultural ties between Iloilo and Japan. As the Philippines and Japan celebrate 70 years of diplomatic relations, initiatives like JFF foster mutual understanding through the universal language of film. Full schedules and the complete film lineup will be released on the Japan Foundation, Manila website.
