On Saturday, March 28, 2009 the Freer Gallery hosts the seventh annual "National Cherry Blossom Anime Marathon" in cooperation with the Japan Information and Culture Center and Otakorp Inc. The day-long event, beginning at 11 a.m. in the Meyer Auditorium, features a costume show, exhibition and dancers courtesy of the DC Anime Club.
Special guest Frederik Schodt, author of the book MANGA! MANGA! THE WORLD OF JAPANESE COMICS, will also be in attendance.
Films to be shown are:
ANIMAL TREASURE ISLAND 11:30 a.m. Based on Robert Louis Stevenson's beloved novel Treasure Island, Hiroshi Ikeda's delightful children's film tells the story of a boy, Jim, and his mouse friend Gran, who set sail in search of riches, only to a band of dastardly pirates led by Captain Silver. Suitable for all ages. (1971, 78 min., English, video)
EVANGELION 1.0: YOU ARE (NOT) ALONE 1:30 p.m. This sci-fi tale co-directed by Hideaki Anno, Masayuki and Kazuya Tsurumaki is set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo, where the population defends itself from alien invaders with the help of human/mechanical hybrid battle robots. Its hero, Shinji, is a shy 14-year-old boy mysteriously chosen to save the planet from the aliens for good. Rated PG. (2007, 98 min., Japanese with English subtitles, video)
VEXILLE 4:00 p.m. Visual effects whiz Sori directed this stunning example of animation as high tech high art – a fusion of advanced techniques and sophisticated thinking about mankind's possible future. In the year 2077, Japan has isolated itself from the world. The film's eponymous heroine and her team of US commandos are ordered to infiltrate its barricades and get to the root of the illegal biotechnology experiments being conducted by sinister mega-corporation Daiwa. Rated PG-13. (2007, 110 min., Japanese with English subtitles, video)
THE GIRL WHO LEAPT THROUGH TIME 7:00 p.m. In 35mm! As the title suggests, Mamoru Hosoda's cheery comedy is about a teenage tomboy who discovers that she can travel through time. After discovering her power, goofy, scatterbrained Motoko goes on all manner of exciting adventures, but ultimately realizes that friendship is the greatest adventure of all. Rated PG. (2006, 98 min., Japanese with English subtitles)
Tickets Tickets for all films (two per person per film) will be distributed beginning at 10:30 a.m. Half of the tickets for each film will be held back and distributed approximately one hour before each show time.
Getting There:
Metro: Rail: Smithsonian (Blue and Orange Lines) Bus: V7 V9 52 53 13A 13G 13B 13F Use the Metro Trip Planner -- www.wmata.com -- with 1050 Independence Avenue SW as your destination
Circulator: 12th and Independence Avenue stop on the Smithsonian/National Gallery of Art Loop To view Circulator Route Maps visit http://www.dccirculator.com
Parking: The closest parking lot to this location is located at: Park America Inc. 901 D St. SW Washington, DC 20024
Taxi: As of June 1, 2008, District of Columbia taxis are required to use time and distance based meters. For more information, please go to http://dctaxi.dc.gov.
Information: http://www.asia.si.edu/events/films.asp.
