Today marks the start of the Japan Society’s second annual Japan Cuts festival of new Japanese film. For the July 4th weekend, the festival will be teaming up with the Subway Cinema gang to co-present a number of excellent films. The remainder of the festival will include additional new films, shorts, and a number of special guests, including Naomi Kawase, Takako Matsumoto, and a special satellite appearance by Koji Wakamatsu, barred from entering the US for his political activities. Also look for a special tribute to the late, great Kon Ichikawa on July 11 and 12 with presentations of his films, The Inugami Family and Murder of the Inugami Family.

Our coverage of some of the films playing in Japan Cuts 2008, including Dainipponjin, Adrift in Tokyo, Sukiyaki Western Django and Fine, Totally Fine can be found here. Look for Jeff’s review of Koji Wakamatsu’s brutal masterpiece United Red Army tomorrow.

::: Cinema Strikes Back coverage of Japan Cuts 2008
::: Japan Cuts Official Site
::: Subway Cinema