JUNGLE EMPEROR LEO, aka KIMBA THE WHITE LION

Director: YAMAMOTO Eiichi
1966, 75 min, Original language
Genres: Anime, Classics

The movie version of the anime "Jungle Emperor Leo" (aka "KIMBA THE WHITE LION") by TEZUKA Osamu, an important pioneer of Japanese manga. The series, which depicts the development of Leo, a white lion who protects the animals in an African jungle, paved the way for an anime boom in Japan. This is the world premiere of the 4K restoration.

In 1950, "Jungle Emperor Leo" began as Tezuka's first long manga project as a series in a magazine. It later became an animated television series that captivated the entire nation and laid the foundation for Japanese manga culture. This cartoon adaptation was groundbreaking for its dynamic animal depictions, bright colors, humor, poetic elements and exuberant music. It is an enduring masterpiece that not only conveys a universal message of peace, but also exerts a profound influence on future artists.

When "The Lion King" was released in 1994, similarities between the film and "Jungle Emperor Leo" were noted, sparking a fierce debate in the media in Japan and the US.

Japanese Film Festival Online 2024

The JFF Online is back in Germany!

The Japan Foundation is once again presenting a colorful mix of Japanese films this year. Feature films will be screened from June 5 to June 19, while TV dramas can be streamed from June 19 to July 3 (from five o'clock in the morning on the first day until five o'clock in the morning on the last day).

The festival will focus on productions made between 2020 and 2023, providing an insight into the diversity of the Japanese film landscape. The program includes 15 feature-length films, four short films and two TV dramas, all of which can be viewed free of charge (OmdU).

The spectrum ranges from dramas, documentaries, horror films and historical dramas(Jidaigeki) to anime and classics.

The way to enjoy the films is simple: after registering for free, click on the desired film and go on a journey of discovery.

Information about the festival and the lineup can be found on the official JFF Online website.

On 08.06. & 10.06. & 13.06. & 15.06. three films from the Online Festival program will be shown in the event hall of the Japanese Cultural Institute Cologne.