FROM January 31 to February 2, Japanese film buffs can enjoy a weekend treat at Manchester Film Weekender, part of the official Japanese/UK Weekend of Culture 2019/2020.

The weekend, organised by John Grieve, commences on the Friday with dinner at the Mercure Bowdon Hotel followed by the film, A Story from Chikamatsu directed by Kenjo Mizoguchi.

At 8.30pm, Johnathan Bunt, senior lecturer in Asian Studies at Manchester University, who helped choose the films, will explain his choice, many of which, have links to Japanese Theatre.

On Saturday, February 1, from 9.30 am. five Japanese films will be shown at Altrincham Little Theatre. Lunch will be served at the theatre and those staying at the Mercure will be taken back to dinner to return for the final screening at 8.45pm.

Sunday, February 2 sees three more films at the theatre where lunch will be served.

John Grieve said: “The programme will give people the chance to see films they haven’t seen before”

He said: “One of the most interesting will be After Life by Hirokazu Koreeda (Saturday). It asks which happy memory you’d like to take to eternity?”

He also recommends the last film, Late Spring by Yasujiro Ozo. (Sunday). It features an ageing widower and his grown-up daughter who sacrifice their mental happiness for each other.

The final attraction at the theatre, will be a two day exhibition of black and white Japanese-themed photographs by member of the Royal Society of Photographers John McKenna.

There are still three films waiting to be shown from a different source – A season of Japanese Film.

They all take place at Altrincham Little Theatre but have no connection with weekender.

On January 26, Departures will be screened.

On February 9 it will be Our Little Sister and on February 23 it will be Sweet Bean.

n Tickets and prices for a single screening to a full residential weekend can be found at manchesterfilmweekend.org.uk..