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Film Rental


Katsuben Talkies
Japanese silent films were always shown with a benshi's narration and a musical accompaniment. Since directors and their staff worked on the movies knowing that they would be screened in this way, viewing these movies today without sound is akin to watching an unfinished work. However, with the passage of time, the number of people practicing the art of benshi has fallen drastically. The "katsuben talkie" was created to keep this art alive.

In a katsuben talkie, the recording on the soundtrack of an narration by a top benshi and a performance by an ensemble combining Japanese and Western instruments make it possible to recreate screening conditions in the age of the silent film in Japan simply by running the film. (all are optical talkies) At present, there are about 40 katsuben talkies, which are loaned out all over Japan for screenings. There are all also films with English sub-titles among these.
*The films are also available for rental for charged events.

Film Rental Charges (16mm versions)

Rental prices are set by type, in descending order of the following types: S A B C D E

S A B C D E
Charged screening (yen) 120,000 100,000 80,000 65,000 40,000 30,000
Free screening (yen) 100,000 80,000 65,000 50,000 35,000 25,000
(Price for one screening in one day)

Projectionist Fee (per showing within Tokyo): ............................70,000 yen
(includes all machinery, projectionist services and transport expenses).
We can also furnish estimates for dispatch outside of Tokyo.

Matsuda Film Productions
3-18-4 Towa
Adachi-ku, Tokyo 120-0003
Tel: 03-3605-9981
Fax: 03-3605-9982
Email: katsuben@matsudafilm.com

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