By Liza Foreman

Kyoto International Film and Art Festival Launches with Maiko Dancing

In the midst of the high season with its beautiful autumn colors, the Kyoto International Film and Art Festival launched Thursday, scheduling 48 new and classic films as part of a program which includes art events and performances from music to dancing, as could be seen at the opening night event when the Maiko danced in beautiful kimonos.

This is the first edition of the festival.

French actress Irène Jacob attended the opening ceremony, as did Kiki Sugino, the director of “Kyoto Elegy,” and actress Fumi Nikaido (“Why Don't You Play in Hell?”).

During the ceremony, Kazuyoshi Okuyama, the executive producer of the festival, said that he was thrilled to be holding the event here in Kyoto, which is the birth place of Japanese cinema.

He said he was inspired by the veteran director Kinji Fukasaku who was also a mentor. Director Sadao Nakajima also welcomed guests on stage. The event was attended by Yoshimoto executive Hiroshi Osaki and other Japanese talent and artists.