Japanese Avant-Garde Pioneers

 『日本前衛派の開拓者』
Nihon Zen’ei-ha No Kaitaku-sha

New York Premiere—Q&A with Amélie Ravalec. Exploring the explosion of postwar radical art in the 1960s and the rise of Japanese avant-garde, Japanese Avant-Garde Pioneers covers the multitude of then-burgeoning experimentations in the art form, spanning across the disciplines of photography, film, graphic design, theater and performance. With the participation of major figures in these revolutionary movements—Hosoe, Araki, Moriyama, Yokoo, to name a few—Amélie Ravalec’s documentary is an enthralling glimpse into the outsider art of Japan’s underground movements.

Dir. Amélie Ravalec, 2024, 100 min., DCP, color, in English and Japanese with English subtitles. With Nobuyoshi Araki, Tadanori Yokoo, Keiichi Tanaami.

Part of JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film 2025
July 10—20, 2025

JAPAN CUTS is the largest showcase of contemporary Japanese cinema in North America and an annual highlight of New York’s cinema scene.

Image: © Circle Time Studio, 2025.

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JAPAN CUTS is sponsored by George P. Hirose and the Globus Family. Reception beverages are generously donated by Sapporo-Stone Brewing, Dassai Blue and ITO EN. Reception speakers are donated by BALMUDA. Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of the Japan Society Film Program. Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York, the official hotel sponsor of the Japan Society Film Program.

Next Generation Obayashi Prize is presented by VIPO.

Additional support is provided by Atto Sushi, Cafe Hatou, Japan Village, Katagiri NY, Kato Sake Works, Kinokuniya Bookstore, Midtown Comics, Moleskine, Sapporo-Stone Brewing, Sendon and BuyJapon, Sunrise Mart, and Tea and Milk.

Japan Society’s 120th anniversary initiatives and related programs are generously supported by Champion Sponsor, MUFG Bank, Ltd.; Advocate Sponsor, Mizuho Americas; and Friend Sponsor, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas).

Japan Society programs are supported by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Anime NYC and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by The Globus Family, George P. Hirose, David Toberisky, Joseph Rajaratnam and Dharshini Iolanthe Sivakumaran, and other Film Supporters.