Some Japanese cinemas to show 'Yasukuni' film

0 Comments | AFP, April, 2008

TOKYO (AFP) — Several regional Japanese cinemas said Thursday they would show a controversial documentary on a Tokyo war shrine, defying pressure from nationalists who caused it to be pulled in the capital.

"I think right-wingers should watch the film too and express their criticism verbally rather than with intimidation," said Atsushi Matsumura, manager of the Seventh Art Theatre in western Osaka, which plans to show the film in May.

Two cinema operators in Kyoto and Hiroshima said they would also show "Yasukuni", by Chinese director Li Ying.

No cinemas in Tokyo currently plan to show the documentary following pressure from nationalist groups.

The film, which received an arts grant from Japan's government, looks at the controversy surrounding the...