Japan Foundation 16mm prints

[Beat Frey]

As many of you know, the Japan Foundation has a catalogue of films which are shown by or in collaboration with Japanese consulates and embassies in several countries. The list of french-subtitled movies alone contains some 170 titles, of which some are of average interest, but there are also very good ones among them. This and the fact that admission is free makes up for the 16mm format and the poor quality of certain older prints and subtitles, and at the semiannual screenings in Geneva and Lausanne, we have up to 300 people attending each time. However, we now face problems due to the 16mm format, because less and less places are equipped with the respective projectors. 

Does anyone know if there are plans to transfer the catalogue (or part of it) to other formats, mainly DVD? Would this involve right issues with the original production/distribution companies? Or are there plans to start a new collection alltogether which would serve the same purpose? Since these screenings are still much appreciated in many places, it would surprise me that the Japanese government would renounce on such a marketing tool. On the other hand, the investments into the catalogue seem to have been minimal during the last two decades.

Thanks in advance for every feedback. And apologies in case this has already been discussed on the list; I couldn't follow up on a regular basis these last weeks.

Beat

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