Tribute to Wakamatsu Koji
The "pink eiga" pioneer had shot several films since the beginnings of the genre; but he only became famous after he made Secrets Behind the Wall, which was shown in the Berlinale in 1965. In the Japanese press the film was defamed as a "national disgrace." But the media resonance helped to push Wakamatsu to fame and founded his reputation as an enfant terrible. In 1966 he created his own production company and, together with a group of young talents, made films that became increasingly radical and caused a lot of stir. As a representative of the '68 movement, Wakamatsu gained a cult following and, along with Oshima Nagisa, exercised great influence on the student movement. Wakamatsu Production was an important place for the exchange of ideas and a meeting point for artists from various fields, from the visual arts and theater up to music, design, and of course, film.
On the occasion of the international premiere of Wakamatsu's United Red Army, the Forum pays tribute to the Japanese director by presenting three of his early works. The program notes on these pages are taken from texts by Hirasawa Go, who also participated in the program's selection.
Wakamatsu Koji, Japan 1972, 88 min.
Wakamatsu Koji, Japan 1969, 65 min.
Wakamatsu Koji, Japan 1965, 75 min.
