Japan & Hong Kong Independent Cinema Festival 2017

Consisting entirely of double bills, this week-long festival at the single-screen Theatre Shinjuku celebrates indie fare from both Japan and Hong Kong with a beefy programme of films, many of which are being screened on these shores for the very first time. Look out for flicks such as Chan Tze-woon's documentary Yellowing (2016), which tells the story of Hong Kong's recent 'umbrella movement' protests and has largely been denied release in the SAR due to pressure from the Chinese authorities, and 2001's Leaving in Sorrow, Vincent Chui's Dogme-style portrayal of Hong Kong after the 1997 Asian financial crisis. As for domestic highlights, don't miss Eiji Uchida's black comedy Lowlife Love (2015) or The Voice of Water (2014), Masashi Yamamoto's out-there crime drama about a phony religious cult. All screenings are followed by talks with the directors and/or cast (included in the ticket price). The full programme and screening times are here.