Offscreen 2010

Offscreen presents eight films -all in vintage 35mm- that will take you on an unusual journey through the Japanese exploitation cinema of the 70s, where grindhouse, arthouse, avant-garde and exploitation come together in an ingenious way. Join us for a cinematographic trip filled with pop art images, daring visuals, anti-establishment provocation and pure political anarchy. If topless girl gangs and sword-wielding virgins out to get revenge are your thing, you're in for a treat.

Like in most countries, Japanese cinemas suffered immensely with the advent of television in the late 60s. While Hollywood tried to lure in audiences by developing new technologies like Technicolor, the Japanese film industry found its own solution, namely to shock audiences with things that were too controversial for the small screen! Major studios like Toei and Nikkatsu averted financial disaster by venturing into what was until then the playground for smaller production companies: "Pink eiga", or "pink films".

Nikkatsu launched a series of bizarre erotic films, "Roman-Porno", characterized by dreamy atmospheres and softcore S&M scenes. Toei responded by creating the more action-oriented "Pinky Violence" films; exploitation cinema with a healthy dose of violence and nudity! Most recognizable for their strong-willed and independent female protagonists, as sexy as they are lethal, these films walked a fine line between pure exploitation and female emancipation and empowerment.

The genre's hey-day was in the 70s, when these films could count on elaborate production value and commercial success among male and female audiences alike. A whole new generation of filmmakers like Norifumi Suzuki, Teruo Ishii, Kinji Fukasaku and Shunya Ito were given the opportunity to create a new and innovative style whose influence is still felt today, while actresses like Meiko Kaji, Reiko Ike and Miki Sugimoto continue to be cult icons.