Japanese Acrobats

Intense interest in Japan by the West made it a favourite destination for filmmakers from the earliest days of film. This selection of films from 1901 to 1913, newly restored by the BFI National Archive, takes us on a fascinating journey through Meiji Japan.

Upper-class Japanese ladies dress up for an open-air afternoon tea, to appreciate the shortlived cherry blossoms.

This ethnographic film offers a brief overview of the traditional culture of the Ainu, an ethnic minority in Japan.

A wild boat ride through the Hozu River’s white-water rapids, set against a beautifully coloured natural background.

In a school gymnastic festival, boys and girls demonstrate their physical rigour through exercise and dance.

A vibrant festival with parades of fishermen and geisha celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of Yokohama Port.

A Chinese teenager dreams of living with her cool aunt in New York, until tensions boil over during a crab dinner.

Two years in the life of TRUK United FC, a beacon for positive change and trans inclusivity in football.

A trans high-schooler is tempted by toxic masculinity in the boys’ bathroom.

A child struggling with their identity and a charismatic fox (voiced by Sir Ian McKellen) learn to embrace their differences in this heart warming stop-motion animation.

A Maori and a Kiwi teen buddy up to raid their mum’s wardrobe and pucker their lips with red.

‘I pronounce you wife and wife.’ A young couple design their perfect wedding online, but then mum dials in.