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.

The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.

A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.

A short animation that offers a window into the world of children’s palliative care.

Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.

Cynthia Rothrock, Richard Norton and Keith Cooke reunite three decades on from the groundbreaking martial arts classic.

Action Xtreme - the UK's leading action film studio - hosts this panel discussion with four leading women in action cinema - Soo Cole, Jo Rolison, Jadey Duffield and Ioanna Karavela.