Living in Toronto, one can easily get caught up and used to how big the film scene is here. Powered by one of the most diverse and strongest group of film festivals in the world, film nerds live in their little Utopia from March to November.  While the big ones like Hot Docs, Worldwide Shorts and the grandaddy of them all TIFF garner most of the attention, it is very important that we not overlook what I like to call the micro-film festival. I use the word micro not to illustrate size but the hyper-focus of the subject matter that provides a unique situation that one cannot find anywhere. Festivals like Toronto After Dark, Toronto Korean Film Festival, TIFF Kids and the right-around-the-corner Shinsedai Cinema Festival allow a cinephile / film nerd the proper experience one needs to shape a strong palette based on a lovely diversity and deep viewing experience of film.

Of course we will continue our unmatched coverage of these festivals, however one I would like to bring to your attention is the 4th Annual Shinsedai Cinema Festival, an annual showcase of the best in new, independent and rarely seen Japanese films. Conceived of by programmers Chris MaGee and Jasper Sharp in 2009, the festival was created with the intent to expand people’s ideas of what films from Japan are and can be. Running from July 12th and July 15th, 2012 the lineup includes a list of insightful dramas, quirky comedies, hard-hitting documentaries, experimental shorts and more.

There are several ways to enjoy The Shinsedai Cinema Festival: 1. Individual tickets: All individual tickets for The Shinsedai Cinema Festival are $12.00 (*$10.00 for students and seniors) 2. A 5 Film Pass**: This pass entitles its holder access to any five ticketed slots at The Shinsedai Cinema Festival for only $50.00, an overall savings of over 15%, or $10.00. Available for purchase until Friday July 6, 2012. 3. Deluxe Pass**: This pass entitles its holder access to all ticketed slots at The Shinsedai Cinema Festival. That’s four days of great films for only $108.00, an overall savings of 25% , or $38.00. Available for purchase until Friday July 6, 2012.

Tickets can be bought in person at:
- Eyesore Cinema : 801 Queen Street West, 2nd Floor (416) 955-1599
- Things Japanese : 128 Harbord Street (416) 967-9797