Free MSU Programs into September to Feature Diverse Japanese Films

STARKVILLE, Miss. (Press Release) — Beginning later this week, a series of free popular films from Japan will be screened at Mississippi State through September.

All taking place on Fridays at the university’s Bost Extension Center, the three public showings will take place Aug. 22, Sept. 12 and Sept. 26. Popcorn, cotton candy and soft drinks also will be provided at no charge at each event.

The film presentations are sponsored by MSU’s School of Human Sciences, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President, Richard Holmes Cultural Diversity Center and Renasant Bank. The not-for-profit Laurasian Institution and the Japan Foundation’s Center for Global Partnership also are providing support.

The open-to-all events are designed to help celebrate the university’s recently established Japan Outreach Program and arrival of the Yokohama Tire manufacturing plant in neighboring Clay County.

The featured films include:

–Friday, 6-8 p.m., “Robo-G,” a 2012 comedy by director Shinobu Yaguchi.

–Sept. 12, 5-7 p.m., “Brave Story.” Based on Miyuki Miyabe’s fantasy novel series, the 2006 adventure was nominated for animation of year at the 2007 Japanese Academy Awards.

–Sept. 26, 5-7 p.m., “Always: Sunset on Third Street 3,” a 2005 drama co-written and directed by Takashi Yamazaki and based on an original story by Ryohei Saigan. It is a Japanese Academy Award best-film winner.

In addition to the Tokyo-based Japan Foundation, the MSU series is a being presented in partnership with the Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville, Tennessee.

For additional information on the programs, contact Juyong Lee at 662-325-7696 or jlee@humansci.msstate.edu.