Gamera 4: Truth is quite the legendary independent fan film amongst the kaiju community. With the exception of a very rare one-time-only screening at G-FEST nearly a decade ago, the film has never really been played anywhere, save for special occasions in Japan. Obviously, this is because of the nature of the beast – the film is a fan film, made without permission from its copyright owners.
Director Shinpei Hayashiya began his career with these early fan films before diving into his own indie work, such as Deep Sea Monster Reigo among many others. His latest film, titled War of the Ninja Monsters: Jaron Vs. Goura in English, is finally having its Japanese premiere after being released on home video via SRS Cinema, and the stops are being pulled out to celebrate. For two nights (March 15 & 16) at Cinema Novencento in Japan, fans can witness Gamera 4: Truth alongside Ninja Monsters in a special screening event.
Read below for more details.
Shinpei Hayashiya is a storyteller who performs at regular vaudeville halls, engulfing audiences in laughter. His talent extends beyond the stage; he is also active as a film director. His passion led him to produce his own independent feature film, “Gamera 4: The Truth” (2003), which attracted the attention of fans of special effects monster movies, and he made his commercial directorial debut with “Deep Sea Monster Raygo” (2007).
Director Shinpei has continued to build his career across the boundaries of special effects films and mainstream films, and his latest long-awaited versus monster movie is finally being shown in Japan for the first time, War of the Ninja Monsters: Jaron Vs. Goura, otherwise known as “Ninja Beast War Chronicles: Jaryu vs Gora”!
Veteran suit actors Mizuho Yoshida (GMK Godzilla) and Akira Ohashi (Gamera in G2, GMK Ghidorah) not only play the monsters, but also star in the film, making for an unusual cast that also features their faces. Another highlight is the marine creature designs by master Shinji Nishikawa!
This screening will also feature a special showing of director Hayashiya Shinpei ‘s earlier work , “Godzilla vs. Deathgilas”! After the screening, there will be a talk show, autograph session, photo session, and social gathering (additional fee required) featuring guests including director Shinpei Hayashiya, lead actors Mizuho Yoshida, Akira Ohashi, and Anju Kaneharatei.
Furthermore, before the main screening there will also be a free screening of the legendary work that made Director Shinpei’s name known to the world, “Gamera 4: The Truth,” and its making-of film, “Project X Document: The Road to Gamera 4”!
This program will be screened free of charge, but please note that priority will be given to those attending the screening of “Ninjuu Taisenki: Jaryu Taigora .”
Please join us for two days filled with monsters, both old and new!
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
Date: March 15th (Sat) & 16th (Sun)
Films to be Screened:
“Ninja Beast War Chronicles: Jaryu vs Gora” (2023/BD/Color/60 min.)
Director, Co-original idea, Co-screenplay, Cinematography, Goura Guignol production, Storyboarding, Casting, Costumes, Props, Editing, Compositing: Shinpei Hayashiya
Co-Original Author and Co-Screenwriter: Hirokatsu Kihara
Cinematography, Drone Photography, Lighting, Sound Recording, Editing, Compositing, and Effects: Masayuki Nagata
Music and Monster Sounds: Yasuhiro Ueda
Audio Editing: Muneaki Tanizawa
Action Coordinator: Akira Ohashi and Mizuho Yoshida
Monster Design: Shinji Nishikawa
Cast: Mizuho Yoshida, Akira Ohashi, Anju Kinharatei, Makoto Inamiya, Anko Hayashiya, and Senyu Katsura.
“Godzilla vs. Deathgilas” (2001/DVD/Color/10 min.)
Director and Screenwriter: Shinpei Hayashiya
Cast: Shinpei Hayashiya, Kazuo Laugh Group
“Gamera 4: The Truth” (2003/DVD/Color/45 min.)
Director and Screenwriter: Shinpei Hayashiya
Cast: Keisetsu Jiro, Shinpei Hayashiya, Kazuo Shogumi
“Project X Document: The Road to Gamera 4” (2002/DVD/Color/4 min.)
Cast: Shinpei Hayashiya
Timetable:
Part 1
13:00 ~ “Gamera 4: The Truth” & “Project X: Documentary: The Road to Gamera 4” consecutive screenings.
Ends at 13:50
Part 2
14:30~ “Godzilla vs. Deathgilas” & “Ninja Beast War Chronicle: Jaryu Taigoura” will be shown consecutively
15:40～Break
15:50 Talk Show Guest: Director Shinpei Hayashiya. Please note that the guest roster will change daily. On the 15th, Akira Ohashi will be there, and on the 16th, Mizuho Yoshida & Anju Kinbaratei will attend.
5:20pm – Autograph session (1 item per person, 2 items per person for social gathering participants) and photo session. This is scheduled to end around 6:00 pm.
After the show, there will be a social gathering for guests in the bar space (additional fee required).
Ticket prices (both days): Part 1 is free (but those who wish to attend Part 2 will have priority entry. If you wish to attend, please write “Gamera 4” in the comments section when applying for your online ticket. We will reserve your seat for you.) Part 2: Advance tickets: 4,000 yen; same-day tickets: 4,500 yen; Reception fee: 4,000 yen (includes food and 3 designated drinks)
If any lucky fan from the US or abroad is in Japan around these dates, this might be a great opportunity to see a rare fan film! For additional context, please check out our review of War of the Ninja Monsters.
