Since 2004, the Japan Foundation has been organising an annual Japanese film programme and touring it to cinemas around the country. It's a brilliant way to discover new stories as well as classic films from Japan, that often wouldn't otherwise make it onto screens over here in the UK. Sheffield's Showroom cinema is a regular stop on its tour, and though the programme can't take place like usual in 2021, it will be available to view online – for free!

This year's programme is called This is My Place, and focusses on carving out a sense of existence and belonging in Japanese cinema. The programme of 18 films asks: what do people mean when they say ‘my place’ – when they refer to their sense of existence and belonging?

The programme features Mrs Noisy, a light comedy from an emerging talent, which revolves around a dispute between neighbours. Focusing on a family of offenders, A Girl Missing is a powerful example of how Japanese societal conformity can be a detrimental influence upon the life of individuals. There is also Labyrinth of Cinema, the final work of the great Nobuhiko Obayashi produced before his untimely death, where he questions the position of humankind, reminding us that there is no place for glorifying war.

From comedies to crime themes, period dramas to films centring on LGBT issues, the Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2021 will explore the universal and perpetual issues existing in society, with an assortment of narratives shedding light on people from different walks of life.

Screening dates for individual titles will vary. Booking opens from 9 February.

See the full schedule as a PDF.