Hong Kong Arts Centre Open House 2018 Late Night Programme - Movie NightHong Kong Arts Centre

Tampopo is classified as Category III by the Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration, refunds will be made to Urbtix ticket holders under 18 years old at the box office of Hong Kong Arts Centre. Art-mate ticket holders under 18 years old please refund at Hong Kong Arts Centre during event or email to cho@hkac.org.hk

We will be playing Naoko Ogigami’s “Kamome Diner” (2005) and Juzo Itami’s “Tampopo”(1985). Despite their distinct styles and a 30-year time gap, both film use Japanese cuisine as a cultural backdrop to explore the dynamic relationships between chefs and diners with food and life, alluding to greater discussions on life's simplicity, human nature for desires and devotion to one’s craft. Eating means much more than just simply stuffing a stomach. It is a sacred ritual to indulge and share in the life-giving energies of food, to show our admiration of the artistry and philosophy behind the food preparation. In the age of rapid acceleration, we often need to slow down to contemplate what it means to truly live, and to delineate the difference between having an expensive meal, and savouring a simple, well-brewed tea.

In between the two films, we bring Kamome Diner to the Hong Kong Arts Centre! MUM and The Corner with Punchy Coffee Roaster bring the delicacies - coffee, rice ball and cinnamon roll from the movie to our audience at Food, Life, Tasting corner. Let's Taste Art, Taste Movie!

"Kamome Diner" Mar 30 9pm

Naoko Ogigami | 2005 35mm
In Japanese with English Subtitles

This diner in a far-off land becomes a safe harbor for legions of lost souls, many of whom frequent the diner before going on their separate ways. In contrast with Itami’s humorous style, Naoko Ogigami is more intent on observing the minute details of life. With close-ups of food and depictions of the wordless actions of the characters, this film revels in subtle emotions that inevitably percolates within a confined space.

Nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 30th Awards of the Japanese Academy (Masako Motai）.

"Tampopo" (Restored Version) Mar 31 12am

Juzo Itami | 1985 DCP
In Japanese with English Subtitles

Food connects people to their basic desires, uniting the body with its senses, and this film decidedly subverts the usual conventions of midnight shows. Tampopo, directed by Juzo Itami, is a quintessential foodie’s film. The plot centres around Tampopo, a widow who operates a noodle shop which is struggling on account of her lack of culinary skills. After a chance meeting with Goro, a food connoisseur, Tampopo becomes his pupil. Under Goro’s rigorous tutelage, she comes to realize the true spirit of cooking. In common with many of Itami’s works, Tampopo is suffused with earthy characters and portrayals of the small pleasures in life.

Best Editing and Best Recording awards recipient at the 9th Awards of the Japanese Academy.

Food, Life, Tasting Corner
30 March, 11pm @HKAC G/F Lobby
Kamome Diner appears at Hong Kong Arts Centre! Mum Veggie Cafe Company Limited and The Corner with Punchy Coffee Roaster deliver the delicacies - coffee, rice ball and cinnamon roll from the movie to our audience at Food, Life, Tasting Corner. Movies are not only to be watched but smelled and tasted! Let’s Taste Art!

* A Hong Kong Arts Centre Open House souvenir will be dispatched.