San Francisco Public Library Presents Japanese Culture in Japanese Animation

The International Center of the San Francisco Public Library in association with the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco presents Japanese Culture in Japanese Animation

Saturday, June 23, 2007
1–5 p.m.
• 1-1:30 p.m. Introduction
• 1:30-3:30 p.m. Film screening
• 3:30-5 p.m. Q & A
Koret Auditorium, Main Library, Lower Level

Whisper of the Heart (In Japanese with subtitles)—Directed by Yoshifumi Kondô; screenplay by Hayao Miyazaki. Based on a manga by Aoi Hiragi. The film is rated G.

This 1995 film from the internationally famous Studio Ghibli is a beloved favorite among fans of the studio's works. Whisper of the Heart is a mar- velous coming of age story of Shizuku, a junior high school girl who decides to challenge herself by taking on an ambitious project at a time when children in Japan are usually focusing on preparing for high school entrance exams. Reading and the love of books play a major role in this story, especially the circulation system in the local public and school libraries. Beautifully animated, the Japanese title is Mimi wo Sumaseba, which means If You Listen Closely. If you listen and watch closely, this film will touch your heart. This was the only film Yoshifumi Kondō̂ was to direct before his death in his late 40s. There will be an introduction by Gilles Poitras, a writer specializing in Japanese animation, who will cover some of the Japanese cultural elements in the film; after- wards there will be a question and answer session.

All programs at the Library are free.

Supported by the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco

Main Library 100 Larkin St. (at Grove) (415) 557-4277 www.sfpl.orga