Main Visual by Pono Design
Chicago Japan Film Collective 2025
Backstreet Cinema Series Vol. 2 “Cinematic Roar”
Thank you for joining us for Backstreet Cinema Series Vol. 2 — we’re grateful to share this journey with you.
We extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who joined us in the theater and online, as well as to our special guests who generously shared their voices, artistry, and time. Your presence and support made Vol. 2 a truly meaningful chapter for the Chicago Japan Film Collective.
Through film, conversation, and live performance, we were honored to share small yet powerful stories and creative expressions from Japan, and to witness new connections forming within our growing community.
As we reflect on these moments, we are already preparing for Backstreet Cinema Series Vol. 3. We look forward to welcoming you back very soon — please stay tuned for what’s next!
Backstreet Cinema Series Vol. 2 (Ended)
In-Theater Screenings (at FACETS, Chicago, IL, 126 seats)
Roar No. 1
(In-Theater & Online)
Documentary | Spain | 2024 | 65min. | (c)2024 Daifilms
Sunday, December 14, @ 10:30 AM
at FACETS, Chicago, IL
+
Friday, December 12 - Sunday, December 21 (10 days)
Virtual Screening
Ishiro Honda: Memoirs of a Film Director
Ishiro Honda: Memoirs of a Film Director explores the life and career of Japanese director Ishiro Honda, focusing on his films, war experiences, and friendship with Akira Kurosawa…
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Post-Screening Guests: Ed Godziszewski and Steve Ryfle
Michael Foster will serve as the panel moderator.
Roar No. 2
(In-Theater Only)
Music, Avant-Garde | Japan | 2021 | 89 min. | ©Etto
Sunday, December 21, @ 10:30 AM
at FACETS, Chicago, IL
Shiver
戦慄せしめよ
This 89-minute invisible sound by TOYODA Toshiaki vibrates the mind and soul, capturing the powerful collaboration between HINO Koshiro and Kodo, the world-famous taiko ensemble from Sado Island…
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Post-Screening Guests: Chicago Okinawa Kenjinkai — Live Performance
From the Festival: Receiving support from ChicagoScreens marks a tremendous milestone for our festival. As a festival dedicated to Japanese independent feature films—and the first of its kind in the Midwest—joining Chicago's vibrant film festival community and receiving this support is both a profound honor and an inspiring motivator. It’s a joy to share our mission with audiences here. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone at ChicagoScreens for selecting the Chicago Japan Film Collective. We are committed to bringing a unique selection of Japanese contemporary cinema from Chicago to audiences across the nation.