On August 15th, they told us we had lost the war.
At that time, we did not really understand.
Then one day, everything changed.
Many soldiers, wearing uniforms we had never seen before, arrived on the island.
That was the day I met Tanya.
Based on real events in the aftermath of World War II, Giovanni's Island is the little-told story of the Soviet occupation of Shikotan –a tiny island off the northern coastline of Japan– as seen through the eyes of two young brothers, Junpei and Kanta. While the adults plot, Junpei and his brother forge unlikely friendships with the Soviet children as they try to make sense of their new surroundings. Giovanni's Island is a touching and tragic tale of childhood innocence in political conflict.
Winner of: Best Animated Film in the 69th Mainichi Film Awards; Excellence Prizes in the 18th Japan Media Arts Festival and the 38th Japan Academy Prize; Jury Awards at the 38th Annecy Animation Film Festival, the 5th Scotland Loves Animation, the 31st Chicago International Children's Film Festival, and many other prizes and distinctions.
This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. Please note that seating is limited and registration does not guarantee guests a seat. Registered guests will be seated on a first come, first served basis. Doors open at 6:00pm. No admission or re-entry after 7:00pm.
To cancel your registration, please email jicc@ws.mofa.go.jp. Your registration is not transferable.