U.S.-Japan Film Academy at Roppongi Hills, Oct. 22

Co-Hosts are U.S. Embassy, UNIJAPAN, 25th Tokyo International Film Festival

Includes Screening of Peabody Award- Winning Documentary by U.S. Filmmaker

October 15, 2012

The U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, UNIJAPAN, and the 25th Tokyo International Film Festival are pleased to co-host the "U.S.-Japan Film Academy," a film screening and discussion event, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Roppongi Academyhills (Mori Tower 49F) on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. Admission is free, and participants can RSVP online here. Simultaneous interpretation will be provided.

The U.S.-Japan Film Academy will feature a screening of the award- winning documentary REBIRTH, which chronicles the lives of five Americans directly affected by the 9/11 attacks. The film underscores the grief and loss of that terrible day, but it also highlights the healing process and the resilience of the human spirit.

Jim Whitaker, the director of the documentary, will lead a discussion prior to the screening. Mr. Whitaker is currently the Chairman and Producer of Whitaker Entertainment at Walt Disney Studios. Previously, he was the President of Motion Pictures at Imagine Entertainment, and he has been involved in the production of many notable films including 8 MILE, AMERICAN GANGSTER, FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, and ROBIN HOOD. Drawing on his experiences, he will discuss what it takes for a filmmaker to succeed in the United States, how to produce a competitive film and manage funding and distribution, as well as what opportunities U.S. film schools have to offer for future filmmakers.

The U.S. Embassy invites all film enthusiasts and future filmmakers to join this rare opportunity to meet with one of Hollywood's most prominent filmmakers.

For further information or inquiries on media coverage, please contact Ms. Hideko Saito or Ms. Sanae Koyama at the Tokyo International Film Festival Publicity and Advertising Division. Tel: +81-3-3553-4793; Fax: +81-3-3553-4788; email: tiff- pr@tiff-jp.net, Press Release, RSVP