For the 22nd consecutive year, CAFILM presents a selection of Oscar® submissions from around the world. This year, 86 countries submitted films for consideration in the 2026 Academy Awards® Best International Feature Film category.
This series offers the rare opportunity to see all 15 of the shortlisted films in this category, many of which are top film festival prize winners… which do you think will take home the Oscar®?
SCREENING + CONVERSATION
WITH DIRECTOR SANG-IL LEE
JAPAN’S SUBMISSION FOR BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM • 2026 ACADEMY AWARDS®
Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, 14-year-old Kikuo is taken under the wing of a famous Kabuki actor. Alongside Shunsuke, the actor’s only son, Kikuo decides to dedicate himself to this traditional form of theatre. Across decades, the two young men grow and evolve together – from acting school to the grandest stages – amid scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals, as each pushes to become the greatest living Kabuki master.
From acclaimed director Sang-il Lee (Pachinko), KOKUHO (meaning “national treasure”) is a film of awe-inspiring scope and sumptuous beauty, and a monument to the artists who would sacrifice everything in the pursuit of the ultimate performance.
In Japanese with English subtitles
Director Sang-il Lee (Japan 2025) 145 min.
SUNDAY, JAN 11 • 2:15
$15 General | $13 Seniors + Youth & Matinées | $10 CAFILM members