Obsessions – From Passion To Madness

With this year’s thematic focus, OBSESSIONS – FROM PASSION TO MADNESS, we explore the theme of obsession in Japanese cinema and society. It is often linked to the pursuit of perfection, visible in crafts, music, and culinary arts. It is also a universally relevant topic that we aim to examine in its cultural contexts. Obsessions often carry negative connotations, as in the context of fixation and loss of control – they can draw people into the abyss. Yet, they can also evoke positive associations such as dedication that drives people to extraordinary achievements. Our program reflects these different facets, from love, desire, and fascination to the thirst for revenge – and, of course, an obsessive passion for cinema!

After the festival, selected films from this thematic focus will be screened in cinemas across the Rhine-Main region. Screening dates will be announced on the Nippon Specials page.

The thematic focus OBSESSIONS – FROM PASSION TO MADNESS is supported by Kulturfonds Frankfurt RheinMain.