NYC based Anime fans get a chance this week to see some of the forward thinking animation from yester-year. "
The history of Japanese animated films, popularly known today as anime, goes back nearly 100 years—before Astro Boy and Speed Racer—when it was simply called manga eiga (manga films). Evolving from visual forms such as manga and kamishibai (picture card storytelling), Japan’s animated films freely mixed folktales and stories with modern Western elements. Drawing upon myriad influences, Japanese animated films of the 1920s-40s created a fantastical world where characters resembling icons such as Mickey Mouse and Betty Boop play chambara (sword fight) in samurai outfits.
Screened for the first time in the U.S. with English subtitles, these short animations will be presented each night in four differing themes, matched with a silent live-action film of the same genre and era.
Travel back in time to experience silent films as they were once presented in prewar Japan! Silent films presented with live narration with Japan’s premiere benshi, Midori Sawato. "
Wednesday, February 13
Part 1: Chambara Action & Adventure
Thursday, February 14
Friday, February 15
Part 4: Music & Dance
More info here.
