Chicago Japan Film Collective 2025
Backstreet Cinema Series Vol. 1

Thank you so much for joining us! Founded in 2021, the Chicago Japan Film Collective will celebrate its 5th anniversary in 2026. To give this milestone the attention it deserves, we’ve shifted our anniversary festival to next year. In the meantime, 2025 marked the launch of an exciting new initiative: the Backstreet Cinema Series. Free from the usual boundaries of release year or genre, this series highlights films that capture the spirit and scenery of Japan—works that evoke the same beauty and nostalgia as stumbling upon a hidden backstreet.

Our first installment opened with CJFC’s very first anime feature, The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes —winner of the Paul Grimault Prize at Annecy Festival 2023. Watching its breathtaking rural landscapes and dreamlike tunnel world unfold on the big screen with you was truly unforgettable.

We then presented Laugh, Everyone! —in its International Premiere! This heartfelt comedy about a struggling second-generation rakugo storyteller offered not only laughter and family drama, but also a rare glimpse into the traditions of rakugo and the vibrancy of Japan’s comedic arts, including manzai. We were especially honored to welcome lead actor NOBE Tomizo in person for a post-screening Q&A, giving our audience a rare opportunity to connect directly with the star of the film.

Thank you for making the launch of the Backstreet Cinema Series such a meaningful success. We look forward to continuing this journey together as we build toward our 5th anniversary celebration in 2026!