Kurosawa to Be Honored By Academy

Akira Kurosawa, the legendary Japanese filmmaker who is responsible for influencing pretty much every film in one way or another, is set to be honored on the ten-year anniversary of his death. His landmark film, Rashomon, has been digitally re-mastered and will screen as part of a three-month showcase of his work at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.

Still from Akria Kurosawa\'s \"Rashomon\"The release of the restored Rashomon will coincide with the anniversary of his death on September 6, 1998. According to Variety, "[t]he film's restoration was undertaken by the Academy Film Archive, the Film Foundation and the Kadokawa Culture Promotion Foundation. Starring Toshiro Mifune and released in Japan in 1950, 'Rashomon' is the first Japanese pic to be restored by the Acad and Film Foundation." Along with the retrospective screening series that Rashomon commences, the Academy will also be screening some the director's original artwork rarely seen outside of Japan.

"'Akira Kurosawa: Film Artist' will be unveiled in the Academy galleries following the Sept. 18 screening of "Rashomon" at Acad's Samuel Goldwyn Theater. The event will include a panel discussion with the director's collaborators, friends and family, including son Hisao Kurosawa." Other films running as part of the tribute include Seven Samurai, Ran, and Yojimbo. The tribute will run on Fridays and Saturdays from September 18 - October 4.