[Image: From The Cat Returns]

Imagine a world where aliens regularly invade the pleasant suburbs of Tokyo, where teenagers worry as much about their hair-dos as saving the universe. A world where punk kitties rub elbows with the Dark God of Death, sexy female assassins trade barbs and bullets, and nearly everyone has a protective demon/robot/super-powered best friend to help them out in a pinch. This is a just a fraction of the hantasmagorical landscape of Japanese anime (literally, “animation”) that produces hundreds of television series, features and straight-to-video releases each year. The recent success in the U.S. of television series like “Cowboy Bebop,” “Pokemon” and “Dragonball Z” and features like SPIRITED AWAY, Osamu Tezuka's METROPOLIS and VAMPIRE HUNTER D – BLOODLUST, plus an explosion of interest through fan conventions, websites, magazines, DVD's and more, has finally pushed anime into the mainstream of American pop culture.

The festival offers a cross-section of the newest and most challenging work from Japan, including the U.S. Premieres of the latest Studio Ghibli feature THE CAT RETURNS, the mondo-insane TAMALA2010 A PUNK CAT IN SPACE, the lovely fable PRINCESS ARETE, the long-awaited 3-part anthology film MEMORIES, and Miramax Films' POKEMON 5, plus Sneak Previews of as-yet-unreleased episodes from cult-hit series including “CRUSH GEAR TURBO,” “AURA BATTLER DUNBINE,” “BRIGADOON,” “SCRYED,” “PLEASE, TEACHER,” “YOU'RE UNDER ARREST,” “DNA,” “READ OR DIE,” “RAHXEPHON,” “PARASITE DOLLS” -- and a Sneak Peak at “The Matrix”-inspired THE ANIMATRIX, with all 9 episodes shown for the first time anywhere.! The Festival will also feature special one-night tributes to legendary manga artist RumikoTakahashi (“RANMA ½,” “INU YASHA”), erotic fantasy master Toshio Maeda (LEGEND OF THE OVERFIEND, DEMON WARRIOR KOJI), lost anime gems like JACK & THE BEANSTALK and special late-night programs of hentai adult animation.

The series is sponsored by the Japan Foundation. For more information, please visit the Egyptian Theater website.

Charles Solomon wrote about the series for the May 2 edition of the Los Angeles Times.

Friday, May 2
U.S. Premiere – Director Hiroyuki Morita and Producer Nozomu Takahashi In Person
THE CAT RETURNS (NEKO NO ONGAESHI), 2002, Studio Ghibli, 75 min. Dir. Hiroyuki Morita. A major hit in Japan last year, THE CAT RETURNS is the latest from Studio Ghibli, the legendary team behind SPIRITED AWAY, PRINCESS MONONOKE and MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO. 17-year-old Haru is not finding life as a teenager in modern Japan to her liking – the rush of the busy schooldays is overwhelming, her classes boring and sports exhausting. One day Haru spots a cat carrying a small box trying to cross a busy street against the red light. She impulsively dashes out and saves the cat just as it is about to be hit by a truck. That night an unusual thing happens: the Cat King accompanied by his servants pays Haru a visit, and invites her to visit with them in the Kingdom of the Cats … (In Japanese with English subtitles.) Discussion following with director Hiroyuki Morita and producer Nozomu Takahashi (schedules permitting).

Friday, May 2 – 9:30 PM
Special Sneak Preview – New from Bandai
“SCRYED” Episodes 1 – 2, 2001, Bandai (Sunrise), 50 min. total. Series Director Goro Taniguchi. “SCRYED” is an instantly addictive series about a quarantined area of Japan called The Lost Ground, where outcast “alter-users” employ telekinetic power to deconstruct and reconsruct reality with explosive force. In the first episodes, rebellious gun-for-hire Kazuma finds himself hunted by the shadowy government organization HOLY, which pits mercenary alter-users against their mutant brothers. “PLEASE, TEACHER” Episodes 1 – 3, 2002, Bandai, 75 min. total. Dir. Yasunori Ide. “Nothing ever changes,” sighs frail, introverted high school student Kei – until the night that a gorgeous, redheaded alien drops from the sky into his lap, then turns up the next day as his new teacher! This terrifically sexy and very funny new series piles one compromising situation on top of another as Kei frantically tries to protect Ms. Kazumi's true identity from his classmates and foster parents. Favorite buzzwords: “This is a Priority One!!” (All episodes in Japanese with English subtitles.)

Saturday, May 3 – 3:00 PM
Children's Matinee
“SPEED RACER” – Uncut and Subtitled!, 1967, Speedracer.com, 100 min. total. Dirs. Ippei Kuri, Hiroshi Sasagawa, Seitaro Hara. Episodes 3 – 4: “Challenge Of The Masked Racer” and Episodes 7 – 8: “The Mammoth Car.” One of the most beloved television series in animation history, “SPEED RACER” has thrilled audiences worldwide since its debut in 1967. When it was released in the U.S., the Japanese names of the original were Americanized (“Go Mifune” became the famous “Speed”), minor cuts were made – and of course all of the episodes were dubbed. Until now, that is – come to see four episodes of the classic “SPEED RACER,” in their original, uncut, Japanese language versions (with English subtitles)

Saturday, May 3 – 5:15 PM
Special Sneak Preview – New from AD Vision
Join us for a special program of brand-new and classic, unseen anime television episodes – all soon to be released in the U.S. by AD Vision: “AURA BATTLER DUNBINE” Episodes 1 - 2, 1983, AD Vision (Sunrise), 25 min. Series Dir. Yoshiyuki Tomino. The legendary “AURA BATTLER DUNBINE” finally makes its U.S. appearance here! A young motorcyclist is magically transported into a combination medieval/mechanized world ala ARMY OF DARKNESS, where knights ride unicorns and mermaid princesses are locked in water-filled cells. To survive, he must learn to control an enormous suit of flying armor. “RAHXEPHON” Episode 6, 2002, AD Vision (Studio Bones), 25 min. Series Dir. Yutaka Izubuchi. This excellent, enigmatic new series revolves around an artistic teenaged boy who suffers from strange visions that connect him to a mysterious giant robot built by the Japanese military. “NOIR” Episode 10, 2001, AD Vision, 25 min. Dir. Kouichi Mashimo. “I am Noir. Beyond that, I know nothing,” murmurs amnesiac school girl Kirika to fellow assassin Mireille – together the two women form an uneasy partnership as killers-for-hire, until they can learn Kirika's true identity. (All episodes in Japanese with English subtitles, except SAILOR MOON Uncut, which is the English dubbed version.)

Saturday, May 3 – 7:30 PM
U.S. Premiere
TAMALA2010 A PUNK CAT IN SPACE, 2002, Kinetique Co., 92 min. Imagine a mutant hybrid of Hello Kitty and Philip K. Dick, animated in the classic 1950's TV style of Osamu Tezuka, and you have some idea of the incredible strangeness of TAMALA2010 A PUNK CAT IN SPACE, the amazing new feature from the two-man music and visual artist unit called “t.o.L”. Super-cute space kitty Tamala goes head-to-head with the Dark God of Death, killer dogs, a robotic Colonel Sanders with an axe in his head and more, using her trademark karate kick and heart-shaped sunglasses. A sample of some of the dialogue? “Later you anaconda bitch!,” “Moimoi, me very tasty. Wanna eat me?,” and “Beware, Martial Law has
been enforced in the Eastern Hate District!” Trust us – it's like nothing you've ever seen efore. (In Japanese with English subtitles.)

Saturday, May 3 – 10:00 PM
New from Manga Entertainment
KAIDOHMARU, 2001, Manga Ent., 46 min. Dir. Kanji Wakabayashi. From Production I.G. and I.G. Plus, the animators behind BLOOD: THE LAST VAMPIRE, KAIDOHMARU is a fully-digital, epic historical fantasy set in 8 th century Japan. Kaidohmaru is the only woman among four legendary knights who protect the peace of the kingdom – but when her childhood friend, Princess Ouni-Hime, becomes jealous of her friendship with fellow warrior Raikoh, Kaidohmaru is forced into a violent and tragic confrontation with her own past.
“READ OR DIE,” 2001, Manga Ent. (Studio Orphee/Aniplex), 90 min. Dir. Kouji Masunari. READ OR DIE is based on the novels and manga by Kurata Hideyuki, and follows the story of Yomiko Readman, a substitute teacher who has a consuming passion for collecting books. However, when the occasion arises, she has an altogether different occupation: she's an operative for the Special Operations Force of the British Library! Yomiko becomes entrenched in a plot for world domination revealed through the writing in the margins of certain rare books. (Note: we will be screening the entire 3-part OVA of READ OR DIE.) (All in Japanese with English subtitles.)

Sunday, May 4 – 12:00 Noon
Children's Matinee – Special Sneak Preview from Bandai
JUNKERS COME HERE, 1995, Bandai (Triangle Staff), 100 min. Dir. Junichi Sato. JUNKERS COME HERE is a refreshing, realistic and beautifully told story of a teenaged girl, Hiromi, who faces problems small (bratty boys at school) and large (her mother works too late, her parents don't get along) with the help of a talking Scottish terrier named Junkers. The wistful tone and attention to everyday details bring to mind Studio Ghibli's lovely WHISPER OF THE HEART. (In Japanese with English subtitles.)

Sunday, May 4 – 5:00 PM
Sneak Preview – New from Tokyo Pop and Sunrise
“BRIGADOON” Episodes 1 – 2, 2000, Tokyo Pop (Sunrise), 50 min. total. Dir. Yoshitomo Yometani. Irresistible sci-fi/comedy about a relentlessly chirpy 13-year-old orphan, Mari, and her armored protector, a “monomakia” (living weapon) named Melan Blue who hails from the flying city in the sky, Brigadoon. Terrific, high-energy storytelling and animation that mixes a young girl's curiosity about growing up with some serious butt-kicking giant robot action. A winner all the way. (In Japanese with English subtitles.) “CRUSH GEAR TURBO” Episodes 1 – 3, 2001, Sunrise, 75 min. total. Series Dir. Hideharu Iuchi. Super-entertaining, Saturday morning style show about kids obsessed with the sport of Crush Gear Fighting, using mini “gogetsu” mechanical cars in high-speed gladiatorial matches. Our spunky hero Kuya has to contend with his late brother's legacy, along with his own hot temper, to recruit new members for the Tobida Crush Gear Club, including feisty girl Karu, hefty, bun-loving Giro, tech-wiz Kiyosuki and zen-like fighter Karudo. Plus it's got our favorite anime theme song: “Crush allright! Crush on hippy! Crush gear fight!!” (just don't ask us what it means!) (English dubbed version.)

Sunday, May 4 – 7:45 PM
U.S. Premiere
“PARASITE DOLLS”, 2002, Urban Vision (A.I.C.), 180 min. Dir. Nakazawa Kazuto. Robot hookers going schizo, sinister young girls in red, energy-sucking metallic scorpions … welcome to Tokyo, 2034. This latest installment in the “BUBBLEGUM CRISIS” prequel series “AD POLICE” revolves around a special squad of Tokyo cops who are trying to discover the cause of mysterious homicidal breakdowns by synthetic humanoids in the city. (Note: We will be screening the entire 3-part OVA of “PARASITE DOLLS”.) (In Japanese with English subtitles.)

Tuesday, May 6 – 7:30 PM
Edith Head Tribute – Screening and Booksigning
Edith Head (1897 – 1981) was arguably the most influential and sought-after costume designer in the history of American cinema, with a list of credits that includes SULLIVAN'S TRAVELS, NOTORIOUS, SAMSON & DELILAH, ALL ABOUT EVE, SUNSET BLVD., A PLACE IN THE SUN, REAR WINDOW, SABRINA, THE TEN COMMANDMENTS, FUNNY FACE, VERTIGO and dozens of other classics. To coincide with the recent publication of Head friend and biographer David Chierichetti's new book, Edith Head: The Life And Times Of Hollywood's Celebrated Costume Designer, we'll be screening Alfred Hitchcock's TO CATCH A THIEF, 1955, Paramount, 106 min. Retired cat burglar Cary Grant and ravishing American party girl Grace Kelly fall in love against a backdrop of fireworks, the French Riviera and a string of unsolved jewel robberies – all the while wearing some of Edith Head's most singularly stunning costumes. Author David Chierichetti will appear prior to the screening at 6:30 PM for a special booksigning of his new biography of Edith Head, in the Egyptian Theatre lobby.

Wednesday, May 7 – 7:00 PM
Sneak Preview -- New from Animeigo and Central Park Media
“YOU'RE UNDER ARREST” Episodes 39 and 49, 1997, Animeigo (Studio Deen/Toei), 50 min. total. Dir. Junji Nishimura. One of our favorite anime TV series, “YOU'RE UNDER ARREST” doesn't involve robots, demons, alternate dimensions or anything with swords/spikes/multiple heads – instead, it follows the trials and tribulations of two female cops in Tokyo's Traffic Division, level-headed Miyuki and her impulsive partner Natsumi. Whether it's competing in a beach volleyball tournament or dealing with the possible break-up of their partnership, these girls do it with charm and style. Based on the manga by “OH
MY GODDESS” creator Kosuke Fujishima. “DNA²” Episodes 7 - 8, 1994, Central Park Media (Powhouse), 50 min. total. Dir. Junichi Sakata. Teenaged loser Junta literally loses his lunch every time he gets near an attractive girl – until blue-haired genetic cop from the future Karin accidentally re-arranges his DNA, turning him into an irresistible babe
magnet, the Mega Playboy - ! But his charms don't last for very long, in this sexy high school comedy in the vein of Rumiko Takahashi's URUSEI YATSURA. (All episodes in Japanese with English subtitles.)

Wednesday, May 7 – 9:30 PM
JUNGLE EMPEROR LEO (JANGURU TAITEI), 1997, Media Blasters/Shochiku (Tezuka Prod.), 98 min. Dir. Takao Takeuchi. Inspired by anime master Osamu Tezuka's classic 1960's series “JUNGLE TAITEI” (released here as “KIMBA THE WHITE LION”), JUNGLE EMPEROR LEO is a sweeping family adventure about the noble King of the Jungle and his inexperienced young cub, who must face fire, flood and corrupt human intruders in their struggle to save their fellow animals. (In Japanese with English subtitles.)

Thursday, May 8 – 7:30 PM
Alternative Screen Independent Film Showcase
FRAZETTA: PAINTING WITH FIRE 2003, 95 min. Dir. Lance Laspina. The life and artistic genius of fantasy painter/illustrator Frank Frazetta is told through interviews with filmmakers Ralph Bakshi (FRITZ THE CAT) and John Milius (CONAN THE BARBARIAN) as well as the generation of artists he inspired. An arresting portrait of the artist who set the standard for fantasy art and film work for the past 50 years, delves into the artist's imagination, the museum dedicated to his work, and a stroke that left him in the position to learn to draw with his left hand! Frank Frazetta's images of fierce warriors (Conan the Barbarian), curvaceous princesses and fantastical beasts in lavish landscapes have transcended the arena of commercial art -- the original paintings are coveted by everyone from Dino Di Laurentis to
George Lucas. Discussion following with the filmmakers.

Friday, May 9 – 7:00 PM
A TREE OF PALME (PALUMU NO KI), 2002, Genco/Synch-Point/Digital Manga, 130 min. Dir. Takashi Nakamura. Superbly animated, incredibly imaginative fantasy about the quest of a Pinocchio-like wooden puppet, Palme, to return a mystic egg to the World Below and the all-powerful deity Soma. To do so, he's forced to navigate an epic landscape of warring tribes, labyrnthine cities and caverns, luminous jellyfish and giant worms, with the aid of a ragtag band including an enigmatic girl Popo, a young warrior Shatta, and two donkey-eared friends, Pu and Mu. Features some of the most haunting images of nature this side of PRINCESS MONONOKE, with echoes of everything from Rene Laloux's FANTASTIC PLANET to Andrei Tarkovsky's SOLARIS. Absolutely breathtaking. (In Japanese with English subtitles.)

Friday, May 9 – 9:45 PM
Hayao Miyazaki Double-Feature:
CASTLE IN THE SKY (TENKU NO SHIRO LAPUTA), 1986, Walt Disney (Studio Ghibli), 124 min. Inspired by the floating island in Jonathan Swift's Gulliver's Travels, Hayao Miyazaki's breathtaking masterpiece of fantasy and adventure follows two orphans, a 14-year-old boy named Pazu and 13-year-old girl named Sheeta, as they make an incredible journey to a long-lost city in the sky. (English dubbed version.) KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE (MAJO NO TAKKYUBIN), 1989, Walt Disney (Studio Ghibli), 102 min. Dir. Hayao Miyazaki. A plucky but inexperienced young witch named Kiki is forced to leave her family home on her thirteenth birthday and travel into the great, wide world, so she can learn about life and the true purpose of her magical powers. Based on the novel by Eido Kadono, KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE is a pure marvel of charm and innocence. (English dubbed version.)

Saturday, May 10 – 12:00 Noon
Children's Matinee
JACK AND THE BEANSTALK, 1974, Columbia (Group TAC), 92 min. Dir. Gisaburo Sugii. This sumptuous version of the classic children's story features some of the most spectacularly beautiful Japanese animation of the 1970's. Hailed by The Anime Encyclopedia as “an excellent musical anime that could easily have given Disney's films of the day a run for their money,” JACK & THE BEANSTALK makes an incredibly rare revival appearance here – don't miss it! (English dubbed version.)

Saturday, May 10 – 5:00 PM
U.S. Premiere
PRINCESS ARETE (ARETE HIME), 2001, Studio 4°C, 105 min. From director Sunao Katabuchi, a protégé of Hayao Miyazaki's who worked on KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE, PRINCESS ARETE is a poetic, melancholy fable for adults about an unhappy Princess who's treated as a precious object by everyone in her life, from her mercenary father to the heartless wizard Boax who kidnaps her as his prize. As she whiles away her days in Boax's remote castle, the Princess slowly starts to believe that only she can ever truly free herself from those who claim to “love” her … Based on the acclaimed children's novel The Clever Princess by Diana Coles. (In Japanese with English subtitles.)

Saturday, May 10 – 7:30 PM
U.S. Premiere
MEMORIES, 1996, Columbia, 113 min. This long-awaited 3-part anthology film features the talents of some of the finest directors in Japanese anime: Katsuhiro Otomo (AKIRA), Koji Morimoto (THE ANIMATRIX, ROBOT CARNIVAL), and Tensai Okamuro. In Episode 1, the truly astounding “Magnetic Rose,” an interstellar salvage crew finds itself trapped on an abandoned space station filled with the living memories of a long-gone opera diva. In Episode 2, “Stink Bomb,” a chemical researcher mistakes an experimental government drug for common flu medication – with surreal and disastrous results. And in Episode 3, “Cannon Fodder,” Katsuhiro Otomo offers a vision of a nightmarish alternate world, where giant factories spew out pure destruction. (In Japanese with English subtitles.)

Saturday, May 10 – 10:00 PM
Adult Anime Madness
(Note: These programs contain graphic sexual content meant for adults only. No one under 18 will be admitted to this program!)

“SEX DEMON QUEEN,” 2000, Kitty Media (Green Bunny), 30 min. Dir. Takeshi Aoki. Strap yourself in (in more ways than one) for this wildly demented, Sex and Sorcery comedy about two female ring-warriors named Cooley and Rima who team up to stop the sinister Amabire and her dog-demons from reviving the ancient God of Sex – if they can all keep a cutey-pie named Sour from driving them crazy with the lesbian love techniques she learned in the convent!! Rated XXX. (In Japanese with English subtitles.) “KOIHIME,” 2000, NuTech Digital (Pink Pineapple), 60 min. total. Dir. Masaki Shinichi. Ponytailed college student Musashi returns on summer holiday to the peaceful mountain village where he grew up – and immediately gets reacquainted with former childhood sweethearts Nami, Anzu, Suzaku and Muyaki, who are overjoyed (and then some) to see him back, even though he can't seem to remember any of them. His strange memory lapse begins to make sense, though, when the true nature of the village and its lovely inhabitants is revealed. Rated XXX. (English dubbed version.) Special Sneak Preview!! “F FORCE,” 2001, Central Park Media, 90 min. Dir. Yousaku Aoi. The gorgeous, supernaturally powered Alicia has been kidnapped by demons, enslaved for their unspeakably perverted pleasures. Her only hope for survival: a team of busty barbarians known as the F Force! Each fabulous fighting female has her own style and deadly weapons of choice, but all share a love of danger and excitement. And there will be plenty of both as they fight to rescue their comrade from the ravages of evil! Rated XXX. (In Japanese with English subtitles.)

Sunday, May 11 – 5:00 PM
Special Sneak Preview
POKEMON 5, 2002, Miramax Films (Toei Animation Co.), 80 min. Dir. Kunihiko Yuyama. The latest installment of the Japanese animation phenomenon sends Ash and Pikachu off to Altomare, a beautiful and mysterious city on water, where they find the treasured Soul Dew. Two new Pokémon, Latias and Latios, are the protectors of the Soul Dew, and they join with Ash and Pikachu to keep it safe from Annie and Oakley. But when a flood threatens Altomare's very existence, who will come to the rescue? A Miramax Films release. (English dubbed version.)

Sunday, May 11 – 7:00 PM
Special Sneak Preview
SAKURA WARS THE MOVIE, 2001, Pioneer (Prodn. IG), 85 min. Dir. Mitsuru Hongo. It is 1926, the 15 th year of the reign of Japan's Taisho Emperor. In Tokyo, behind a world of brilliance and beauty, there exists a dark realm inhabited by mutating monsters, the Kouma. The battle against them is entrusted to the Teikoku Kagekidan, the Imperial Fighting Troupe, a secret organization formed to battle the forces of darkness. Surprisingly, except for its commander, the Troupe is comprised solely of lovely young maidens. By day, they lead the glittering lives of stage actresses as part of the Imperial Operetta Troupe. From Production I.G., the studio behind GHOST IN THE SHELL and NEON GENESIS EVANGELION. (In Japanese with English subtitles.)

Tuesday, May 13 – 7:30 PM
Special Sneak Preview – New from Ken Loach
SWEET 16, 2002, Lions Gate, 106 min. With Martin Compton, Annmarie Fulton, William Ruane. The latest film from one of England's most acclaimed directors, Ken Loach (RAINING STONES, LADYBIRD LADYBIRD, RIFF-RAFF), SWEET 16 is a heartwrenching portait of a teenaged boy determined to change the course of his and his family's lives. Liam's mum, Jean, is in prison but is due to be released in time for his 16th birthday. This time Liam is determined that things will be different. He dreams of a family life he's never had, which means creating a safe haven beyond the reach of lowlife like Jean's boyfriend Stan and his own mean-spirited grandfather. But first he's got to raise the cash – no mean feat for a skinny teenager. It's not long before Liam and his pals' crazy schemes lead them into all sorts of trouble. Finding himself dangerously out of his depth, Liam knows he should walk away. Only this time, he just can't let go. Winner of Best Screenplay at Cannes Film Festival 2002, and Best Film at the British Independent Film Awards 2002. (SWEET 16 will be released theatrically by Lions Gate Films on May 16 th.)

Wednesday, May 14 – 7:00 PM
Rumiko Takahashi Tribute
One of the most phenomenally popular and beloved manga artists in Japan, Rumiko Takahashi has created a wildly colorful universe where the impossible and the everyday collide head-on, with hilarous results, in works like “Urusei Yatsura,” “Ranma ½” and many others. Join us for a program of episodes from three different television series based on Ms. Takahashi's creations! “INU YASHA” Episodes 1 and 4, 2000, Viz (Sunrise), 50 min. total. Dir. Masashi Ikeda. Kagome Higurashi is a 15-year-old schoolgirl living at a history-filled Japanese shrine. After a chance fall into an abandoned well, Kagome meets the well-named “dog demon” Inu Yasha, a half-human hybrid who longs to become all-demon. Can Kagome bring him to heel before he starts sharpening his claws – on her?? “RANMA ½” Episode 2, 1989, Viz (Kitty Films), 25 min. Series Dir. Tomomitsu Mochizuki. At the time, martial arts teacher Soun Tendo thought engaging one of his three daughters to Ranma – the son of
longtime friend and training partner Genma Saotome – was a good idea, but that was before “he” turned out to be a “she”!! Youngest Tendo daughter Akane (who's always claimed to “hate boys” anyway) is quickly nominated for bridal duty by her older sisters, while an unruly Ranma must come to grips with the mixed blessing of his/her own appeal … to both boys and girls! “MAISON IKKOKU” Episode 5, 1986, Viz (Kitty Films), 25 min. Series Dir. Kazuo Yamazaki. Yusaku Godai has more than his share of problems – he's young, he's broke, and he lives in a rickety old boarding house filled with the most nosy (and noisy!) neighbors in Japan. But even these extremely eccentric housemates aren't enough to drive young Godai away from the boarding house -–because the building's manager is a lovely young woman who always seems so close … and yet so far away. How can he ever find a way to tell her what he feels? (All episodes in Japanese with English subtitles.)

Wednesday, May 14 – 9:15 PM
Special Sneak Preview – All 9 Episodes for the 1 st Time Anywhere
THE ANIMATRIX, 2003, Warner Home Video, 90 min. An unprecedented fusion of CG-animation and Japanese anime, THE ANIMATRIX is a groundbreaking collection of nine original short films from the creators of THE MATRIX trilogy, Andy and Larry Wachowski. Inspired by the visionary action and innovative storytelling that powered the trilogy, this spectacularly visual short film series delves deeper into the mind-bending world of THE MATRIX. Featuring shorts directed by Yoshiaki Kawajiri (NINJA SCROLL, VAMPIRE HUNTER D), Shinchiro Watanabe (COWBOY BEBOP), Koji Morimoto (MEMORIES), Mahiro Maeda, Takeshi Koike (lead animator on WICKED CITY), Peter Chung (MTV's “AEON FLUX”) and Andy Jones (FINAL FANTASY: THE SPIRITS WITHIN). While several of THE ANIMATRIX episodes have been available over the internet, this is the first time all nine episodes will be screened theatrically in public!! (Original English-language version.)

Thursday, May 15 – 7:00 PM
Sneak Preview – New from Bandai!
“SPIRIT OF WONDER – SCIENTIFIC BOYS CLUB,” 2001, Bandai, 90 min. Dir. Takashi Annou. Unusually poetic and wistful adventure story based on Kenji Tsuruta's acclaimed manga comics (which were themselves inspired by the work of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne), about a brilliant planetary scientist named Wendy who reluctantly helps her inexperienced husband and their mad professor friend build a dirigible capable of riding the ethereal currents to Mars. And watch out for the wild prologue and epilogue, featuring a sexy, karate-kicking waitress named China, in her own other-worldly adventures. (Note: This is a sequel to the 1992 anime adapation of SPIRIT OF WONDER.) (In Japanese with English subtitles.)

Thursday, May 15 – 9:00 PM
(Note: these programs contain graphic sexual content meant for adults only. No one under 18 will be admitted to this program!)
Toshio Maeda Tribute:
Tribute devoted to the work of one of the most subversive and controversial manga artists in Japan, Toshio Maeda, featuring two shocking anime features based on his artwork and stories: LEGEND OF THE OVERFIEND (CHOJIN DENSETSU UROTSUKIDOJI), 1989, Central Park Media, 108 min. Dir. Hideki Takayama. Otherworldly The Wandering Kid tries to stop the Overfiend from uniting the worlds of man-beasts, demons and humans in this controversial hentai groundbreaker. Rated XXX. DEMON WARRIOR KOJI (GOKURAKU SATSUJIN CHOKEN KAN), 1999, Central Park Media, 120 min. Dir. Yasunori Urata. Sex crime investigator Koji is really a benevolent demon attempting to halt the influx of supernatural and alien monsters hungry for human sex. Rated XXX (Both in Japanese with English subtitles.)

Cost : Tickets: $6-9

Sponsor(s): The Japan Foundation