'Imphal 1944' to premier on Jun 28
Source: The Sangai Express / Ninglun Hanghal
New Delhi, June 22 2014:
London-based Japanese actor-director, Junichi Kajioka is set to premiere his "Imphal 1944" on June 28.In an email sent to The Sangai Express, the actor who would be arriving at Imphal on June 27, wrote "A special premiere of 'Imphal 1944' for a special occasion of the closing function of 70th anniversary of the Battle of Imphal will be held.
Revealing his future plan for a full feature version of 'Imphal 1944', Junichi said that he would stay on until July 2 during which he planned to meet Manipuri survivors from the war and hear their real stories in person, "and hopefully find some potential backers and supporters for the feature film of "Imphal 1944".He said the feature version will have local talents and crews.
The film is dedicated to those who lost their lives during World War II and the people of Manipur.
The Japanese actor stated that 'Imphal 1944' is a symbol of friendship and peace between Britain, Japan and Manipur.
The theme song of this film, called "Memories of Imphal", was specially written and composed by a Tokyo-based musical duo Luna Luna.
The lyrics express gratitude towards the people of Manipur, explained Kajioka.
'Imphal 1944' is inspired by the true story of a Japanese war veteran Masao Hirakubo OBE (Order of the British Empire) who fought in the Battle of Imphal in Manipur, Northeast India.
He was the founder of the Burma Campaign Society (BCS) and was one of the veterans of WW II who tirelessly devoted his later life to reconciliation between the UK and Japan and died in 2008 at the age of 88 .
Kajioka discovered this story while preparing for a feature film "My Japanese Niece", in which he is due to act in the leading role.
He was moved on discovering that Manipuri people are still passing the story of Japanese soldiers on to the younger generations.
Junichi then decided to make his own film "Imphal 1944" to commemorate the anniversary in this special year.
Junichi Kajioka acted in films such as "47 Ronin" starring Keanu Reeves and "The Flowers of War" starring Christian Bale.
He was nominated twice for "Best Actor" awards at film festivals.
In "Imphal 1944" he writes, directs, acts and produces the film.
This is his first directorial film.