japanese
2011-08-02 | YIDFF receives 29th Kawakita Award!

On Wednesday July 27th, the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival received the 29th Kawakita Award at a ceremony held at Tokyo Kaikan in Marunouchi, Tokyo.

Reason for selection by the Kawakita Memorial Film Institute:
This film festival, which began in 1989 with its International Competition as its centerpiece and has since been held every two years, will mark its 12th occasion in October 2011. Its diverse screening program primarily focuses on documentary works, but also includes films of all kinds. It has a particularly passionate approach with regard to Asian film, and has become one of the most prominent film festivals in the world. As an event that provides a venue for interaction between filmmakers and audiences, it also takes advantage of its distinctive locale and is highly regarded for its aspects that only Yamagata can offer. Even outside the festival period, it contributes to the development of film through local initiatives including the Yamagata Documentary Film Library, its regular Friday screenings, and free film screenings for victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake.


Kawakita Prize and its Recipients
The Institute awards the Kawakita Award annually to an individual or an organization (local or foreign) who has significantly contributed to the development of Japanese cinema and/or to the diffusion of Japanese culture over the years through films.


We express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has supported the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival over the years.