Shooting Rapids in Japan

Intense interest in Japan by the West made it a favourite destination for filmmakers from the earliest days of film. This selection of films from 1901 to 1913, newly restored by the BFI National Archive, takes us on a fascinating journey through Meiji Japan.

Upper-class Japanese ladies dress up for an open-air afternoon tea, to appreciate the shortlived cherry blossoms.

This ethnographic film offers a brief overview of the traditional culture of the Ainu, an ethnic minority in Japan.

Acrobats exhibit their physical agility and masterly skills with assorted spinning and balancing feats.

A wild boat ride through the Hozu River’s white-water rapids, set against a beautifully coloured natural background.

In a school gymnastic festival, boys and girls demonstrate their physical rigour through exercise and dance.

Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.

George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.

The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.

The director talks to Mark Kermode about putting Stephen King's dystopian life-or-death gameshow thriller through its paces. 

Richard Linklater discusses his remarkable and wide-ranging body of work, including Blue Moon and Nouvelle Vague.

Daniel Day-Lewis, the ultimate actor’s actor discusses his career in conversation with Mark Kermode.