Filming of 'Imphal 1944' underway
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, March 23 2014:
London-based Japanese actor Junichi Kajioka is currently making a short film "IMPHAL 1944" at London.
This film will be premiered at the closing ceremony of the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of Imphal (WWII) on June 28 and then shown at film festivals around the world.
Junichi Kajioka, who has acted in films such as "47 Ronin" starring Keanu Reeves and "The Flowers of War" starring Christian Bale, writes, directs, acts and produces 'IMPHAL 1944' which is his directorial debut.
The film is based on the life of a Japanese war veteran Masao Hirakubo OBE, who fought in the battle of Imphal in Manipur, Northeast India.
He was the founder of the Burma Campaign Society (BCS) and one of the veterans of WWII who tirelessly devoted his later life to reconciliation between UK and Japan.
He died in 2008 at the age of 88 .
Junichi Kajioka states that this film aims to be a symbol of peace between Britain, Japan and Manipur.
And furthermore, the story of Imphal offers the world an important message of friendship between old enemies.
The film is dedicated to the people who lost their lives at the battle of Imphal.