Filmmaker Retrospective: Kinuyo Tanaka, Japan's Most Underrated Filmmaker

Kinuyo Tanaka was a Japanese actress and director who was an influential figure in Japanese cinema during the 20th century and yet isn't as celebrated in the West as her male peers. In tandem with our ongoing Cinema East series, in honor of Women's History Month, and in collaboration with CASCADIA International Women's Film Festival, we're highlighting the life and work of Tanaka with a selection of seven films featuring her work in front of and behind the camera. These films will include introductions from special guests, including Colleen Laird, Professor of Japanese Popular Culture at UBC who specializes in Japanese media and gender studies. Please check our website for the most up-to-date information.

Born in 1909, Tanaka began her career as an actress in the 1930s and quickly became one of Japan's leading stars, appearing in over 200 films throughout her career. In addition to her acting work, Tanaka also became one of the first women in Japan to direct films, breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. She was known for her versatility and range, both on and off the screen, and her contributions to Japanese cinema have earned her a place in film history as a pioneering female filmmaker. She boldy placed women at the center of her film as poets, sex workers, heroines, and victims of social injustice. 

Tickets on sale at pickfordfilmcenter.org. 

Founded in 1998, the Pickford Film Center serves the Whatcom community by screening independent films 365 days a year, producing and presenting the annual Doctober film festival, the Bellingham Children’s Film Festival, numerous film series and special events.  The Pickford offers free documentary film showings to all Whatcom middle schools through Doc-ED and partners with students and schools for many other events during the year.