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SSFF & ASIA , with the cooperation of the Consulate-General of Japan in Mumbai, presented five Japanese short films as part of the “Special Package” at the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), one of the largest film festivals in India, established in 1990.

MIFF, now in its 17th year, was held for one week from May 30 to June 4th in Mumbai (formerly known as Bombay). Founded in 1990, the festival showcases domestic and international films, mainly documentaries, short films, and animations. This year MIFF composed “Japan Package” to commemorate and celebrate 70^th Anniversary of the Japan-India Diplomatic Relations.

 　The program titled “Special Package: Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2022” featured four films produced mainly by SSFFA and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (“Home Away from Home”, “Shakespeare in Tokyo”, “Jose’s Tour de Tokyo”, “This is Tokyo”), as well as a comedy film “Shabu Shabu Spirit” with the theme of “washoku (Japanese Cuisine)”, and was screened on June 3 at MIFF at the National Museum of Indian Cinema.

“Shabu Shabu Spirit” was chosen as one of the opening films to be screened at the opening ceremony held on May 29 in front of the audience of Mr. Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, with other Ministers of the Government of India. Mr. Toshihiro Kaneko, Chief Consul & Deputy Chief of Mission, Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai was interviewed by the MC, and he mentioned the contribution of SSFFA at this year’s MIFF.

On June 3, before the SSFFA program was screened, the festival was honored with a special address by Mr. Ravinder Bhakar, Director, MIFF & Director General, Film Division, Government of India, and Mr. Toshihiro Kaneko, as well as an address by the guest of honor. MIFF Ambassador and actor Dalip Tahil also delivered remarks. Mr. Bhakar, also presented a bouquet of flowers and commemorative gifts to the Consulate General and the guest of honor. Approximately 300 audience members came to the venue to enjoy the Japanese short films with full of laughter for the comedy as well as the admiration voice for the quality of Japanese films. Indian audience was impressed by and mentioned about the common sentiment when father sends daughter for marriage. Dr. Yasukata Fukahori, Consul General of Japan in Mumbai attended the closing ceremony. MIFF ceremonies and interviews with mention about SSFFA & Japanese short films are broadcasted to the world through Youtubes for the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, the Governement of India as well as Indian national TV station.