KYOTO INTERNATIONAL FILM AND ART FESTIVAL 2020

These are difficult times. People and society are struggling. Some may feel this is not the time for movies or this is not the time for art. But should we ignore our imaginations because of the coronavirus? Should we suppress our curiosity because of the coronavirus? It may be hard to move physically these days, but you should be able to move your mind freely. Kyoto has a special significance this year. Kyoto is a city with its rich culture on display. But perhaps it is the vitality of this city that should also be on display. Kyoto has seen repeated threats of devastation, warfare, natural disasters, and pestilence since it was first established. This proud culture still exists because it has always been resurrected from disaster, whether it was destroyed or on the verge of collapse. The world is now in the grip of the novel coronavirus epidemic. That's why we want to share the vitality of Kyoto with the world. I would like to think that this year's Kyoto International Film and Art Festival has a significance unlike ever before. Kyoto is strong. The culture is strong. There is a real freedom of imagination and creativity. That's why we in Kyoto want to talk about the significance of culture with everyone in the world now.