2nd Kamata Film Festival: Cinema Paradise Kamata

Opened in 1920, the Shochiku studios in Kamata aimed to make the traditional heart of Ota Ward the 'Hollywood of the East'. The area did in fact prosper before the war, enjoying a trend-setting status similar to that of Harajuku or Shibuya today, and forged the foundations for the Japanese film industry's post-war 'Golden Age'. These glory years may be long gone, but that doesn't stop Kamata from celebrating its heritage with this festival, which sees film screenings take place all around the area. Catch classics like Yasujiro Ozu's I Was Born, But... (1932) and take in the atmosphere of a bygone era. The full program can be viewed here (Japanese only).