The American Cinematheque has programmed a retrospective to celebrate the work of three-time Oscar nominee Wim Wenders ahead of the Feb. 7 nationwide release of his latest film “Perfect Days,” Neon announced.
The retrospective screenings and in-person Q&As will begin on Jan. 11 at the Aero Theatre with a double feature of “Perfect Days” and “Tokyo-Ga” at 7:30 p.m. There will be a Q&A segment with the director in between the films. Tickets will go on sale on Thursday on the American Cinematheque website.
Shortlisted for best international film, “Perfect Days” is the Japanese submission for the 2024 Oscars. The film was awarded the prize of the ecumenial jury and the best actor award for Koji Yakusho at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Yakusho also executive produces the film, with Koji Yanai, Wenders and co-writer Takuma Takasaki producing it. Prior to its nationwide release, the film was released in limited theaters on Nov. 10.
Yakusho portrays a public toilet cleaner in Tokyo who is content living a simple life. Per the release, “Outside of his very structured everyday routine, he enjoys his passion for music and for books. And he loves trees and takes photos of them. But soon, a series of unexpected encounters gradually reveal more of his previously unearthed past.”
Additional retrospective programming with Q&As featuring Wenders includes “Wings of Desire” on Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m., “Until the End of the World” on Jan. 13 at 12:00 p.m. and “Paris, Texas” on Jan. 13 at 7:00 p.m. All screenings will take place at the newly reopened Egyptian Theatre.