Acclaimed film director, Hayao Miyazaki, has been awarded the 2009 Berkeley Japan Prize, which honors individuals from all disciplines and professions who have, over a lifetime influenced the world’s understanding of Japan. To celebrate this various events are planned for July.

Movie Tribute Series

The Pacific Film Archive Theater is running a series of four special screenings showcasing the work Hayao Miyazaki, presented in collaboration with the Center for Japanese Studies at UC Berkeley.

Sunday, July 12, 4:00 PM: My Neighbor Totoro.

Tuesday, July 14, 7:00 PM: Porco Rosso.

Sunday, July 19, 2:30 PM: Castle in the Sky.

Tuesday, July 21, 7:00 PM: Princess Mononoke.

Pacific Film Archive Theater, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley.

Miyazaki World Premiere

On Friday, July 24 at 6:00 PM the Pacific Film Archive Theater will present the first public showing of Hayao Miyazaki’s new film, Ponyo, which is inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, “The Little Mermaid. The film will not open in cinemas in the US until August 14. Sadly the event sold out before we got to hear about it, but keep an eye open on eBay, you might get lucky.

The Man Himself

And finally, Mr. Miyazaki will be appearing in person for a conversation with Roland Kelts (Tokyo University lecturer and author of Japanamerica) on July 25 at the Zellerbach Auditorium. Unsurprisingly this even is also sold out.

Public Symposium

On Saturday, July 25 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at 2223 Fulton Street, 6th Floor conference room leading scholars of Japanese popular culture, literature, and film will discuss Hayao Miyazaki’s work and his international influence in a roundtable panel discussion. This event is billed as free and open to the public. Details (along with all of the other events) here.