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Shuji Terayama, Emperor of the Underground
Short Films - Program One

This program of early and mid-career works includes Terayama’s first film, The Cage, which makes clear the deep hold of Surrealism upon the young filmmaker. The opening film, Butterfly Dress Pledge, offers a striking introduction into the theatrical trance world inhabited by so many of Terayama’s films, while also showcasing his interests in breaking through the screen itself.

PROGRAM

  • Butterfly Dress Pledge (Chofukuki)

    Directed by Shuji Terayama.
    Japan, 1974, 35mm, color, 12 min.
    Print source: National Film Center, Japan
  • The Cage (Ori)

    Directed by Shuji Terayama.
    Japan, 1964, 16mm, color, 11 min.
    Print source: National Film Center, Japan
  • The Labyrinth Tale (Meikyutan)

    Directed by Shuji Terayama.
    Japan, 1975, 16mm, color, 17 min.
    Print source: National Film Center, Japan
  • Emperor Tomato Ketchup (Tomato Kechappu Kotei)

    Directed by Shuji Terayama.
    With Keiko Niitaka, Salvador Tari, Taro Apollo.
    Japan, 1971/1996, 16mm, black & white, 27 min.
    Japanese with English subtitles.
    Print source: The Japan Foundation

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