Remarks of Consul-general Hidenobu Sobashima at the opening of the 17th Annual Japanese Film Festival on 28 November 2013
Mr Brad Battin, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Japan in Victoria, and Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, today representing the Hon Nicholas Kotsiras, Minister for Multicultural Affairs and Citizenship,
Mr Khalil Eideh, State Member for Western Metropolitan,
Ambassador John Richardson, State Director of Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Victoria,
Mr Diego Velasco, Dean and my Colleagues in the Consular Corps,
Mr Nao Endo, Director and his team of Japan Foundation Sydney,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Welcome to the opening of the 17th Annual Japanese Film Festival in Melbourne.
First, I would like to congratulate Melbournians who are present here for Melbourne being the world’s most liveable city for the three consecutive years.
In this connection, I have repeatedly stated that perhaps the collaboration and cooperation between the Japanese residents and Australian hosts is also contributing to this liveability that is the world’s best, economically and culturally, in this multicultural society.
I would like to add today that the presence of so many dignitaries and distinguished people from various fields at this Japanese File Festival demonstrates the flourishing multiculturism in Victoria.
This year the Japanese Film Festival is to be held not only in Melbourne and Sydney, but also other State capital and other cities: in total in 10 cities in Australia.
Congratulations, Japan Foundation!
The number of films to be shown in Melbourne is 39, larger than that of any other city.
Congratulations, Melbourne!
The opening film which we will be watching later tonight is “The Great Passage” and the closing film on Sunday 8th of December is “Fruits of Faith”.
“Library Wars” will be introduced by its Director Shunsuke Sato on Tuesday 3 December, and “Ore, ore. ” in Japanese or “It’s me, it’s me.” will be introduced by its Director Satoshi Miki on Friday 6 December.
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to Japan Foundation, the many sponsors and Japanese film fans for supporting this multicultural event which I am proud to present in the world most liveable city.
I hope you will all enjoy this year’s Japanese Film Festival.
I will enjoy, too.
Thank you.