The Festival Lumière returns for a new edition, and this year it is Japanese cinema that takes the spotlight with two unmissable retrospectives. A must-attend event for lovers of cinema and Japanese culture.
Toshiro Mifune: Legend of Japanese cinema
Toshiro Mifune, an iconic figure of Japanese cinema, will be in the spotlight through a retrospective tracing his legendary career, notably his mythic collaboration with director Akira Kurosawa. Together, they gave birth to masterpieces such as Rashomon, Seven Samurai and Yojimbo, which left a lasting mark on world cinema. This retrospective looks back at the key moments of Mifune's career, from his beginnings in Japanese cinema to his international collaborations.
👉 Discover the retrospective on the Festival Lumière website:
Yasuzo Masumura: The master of subversion
Yasuzo Masumura, a forerunner of the Japanese New Wave, is also celebrated with a selection of his films restored in 4K. Known for his bold visual style and provocative themes, Masumura revolutionised Japanese cinema with works marked by graphic violence and subversion. From 2025, seven of his films will once again be screened in cinemas, offering a unique opportunity to (re)discover this cult filmmaker.
👉 For more information about this retrospective: Yasuzo Masumura
Detailed programme
For lovers of Japanese cinema, the festival offers a rich programme with iconic films from both artists, such as Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa, Blind Beast by Masumura, and many other classics that have lost none of their cinematic power.
Here are a few flagship screenings:
- Drunken Angel by Akira Kurosawa – Lumière Terreaux, Sunday 13 October
- Passion by Yasuzo Masumura – UGC Confluence, Monday 14 October
- Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa – Lumière Bellecour, Sunday 13 October
For film buffs and lovers of Japanese culture, don't miss this celebration of Japanese cinema during this new edition of the Festival Lumière.
