Gold Coast Japanese Cinema

11/12/2025

Now showing at HOTA on the Gold Coast

https://hota.com.au/whats-on/live/cinema/kokuhot

Spectacularly bringing the intricate style and all-consuming dedication of the Japanese Kabuki artist to the big screen, Sang-il Lee’s epic new drama KOKUHŌ is a decades-spanning tale charting the ambition, friendship and rivalry of two young trainees.

15/10/2024

Hi all. The 131-page manga (Japanese comic) that I’ve been working on for an eternity is finally getting a first-run release in December via Kickstarter.

I’ve activated the pre-launch page here - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/rockcar/rock-car

Pre-launch means you’ll get a further notification when it goes live on November 4th.

By clicking the ‘notify’ button, it helps me build some traction. If you’re so inclined, it would be very much appreciated.

A 131-page Australian Manga graphic novel.

02/04/2024

Highly recommended! Showing at HOTA and Dendy.

Weekend plans.

Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days is now showing in cinemas.

21/10/2023

Hi all and お久しぶりです！
I’m not involved with this screening at HOTA but highly recommend going along. This is from Hamaguchi Ryusuke, the director of the
award winning ‘Drive My Car’. There is also a Q&A with the producer after the screening.

Asia Pacific Screen Awards

12/12/2021

https://www.kotaku.com.au/2021/12/keiko-nobumoto-writer-for-cowboy-bebop-and-tokyo-godfathers-dies-at-57/

Keiko Nobumoto, the acclaimed writer behind Cowboy Bebop, Tokyo Godfathers, and Macross Plus, passed away on December 1 after a...

09/11/2021

https://japanesefilmfestival.net/film/satoshi-kon-the-illusionist/
Just an FYI that this Satoshi Kon documentary is screening in Brisbane on the 21st November.

Ten years after his untimely passing, this moving documentary honours the life and work of Satoshi Kon (1963–2010). The highly revered animator and director leaves behind an impressive body of work, and his legacy remains a major cultural influence on the animation world today. Fans of Kon will kn...

04/11/2020

Hi all,

Just wanted to thank you all for coming.
Hope you enjoyed the film?
The next screening will likely be towards the start of the new year. Are we keen for more Satoshi Kon or shall we break it up a bit?

- Joel

30/10/2020

TOKYO GODFATHERS - SOLD OUT

Hi all,

We’ve done it again! With limited seating, the term ‘Sold Out’ doesn’t carry as much prestige but we’ll still take the wins where we can.

By selling all available seats we’ve managed to cover the cost of cinema hire and film licensing, so I just want to thank you all in advance for making this a viable screening.

Moving forward, it’s likely that the above costs will double as the country returns to normal. This may mean the screenings will be less regular, but I’m hoping that Tokyo Godfathers will leave you ready for more.

Don’t forget to harass me if you want to see more Japanese films screening here on the coast!

- Joel

28/10/2020

Hi all,

Thanks to a small increase of HOTA’s maximum seating allowance, we still have 7 tickets left for sale for our (one night only) screening!

Hope to see you there 😎

On Christmas Eve, three homeless people living on the streets of Tokyo discover a newborn baby among the trash and set out to find its parents.

18/10/2020

"An animated film both harrowing and heartwarming, about a story that will never, ever, be remade by Disney."
- Roger Ebert

Tix - https://hota.com.au/cinema/tokyo-godfathers/

04/10/2020

11 tickets are left for the screening of Satoshi Kon’s Tokyo Godfathers!

On Christmas Eve, three homeless people living on the streets of Tokyo discover a newborn baby among the trash and set out to find its parents.