Emirates, one of the world’s leading international airlines, to be featured as part of its in-flight entertainment program from January 2026 through 2028.This marks a rare and prestigious recognition for a Japanese independent documentary, offering global audiences the opportunity to encounter the creative spirit and human presence of legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa, as captured on the set of his 1985 epic Ran.
Emirates, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, operates flights to 122 cities across 76 countries, spanning:
・Africa
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Asia
・
Europe
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Oceania
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North America
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South America
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Central America
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The Caribbean
Through this partnership, “Filming Akira Kurosawa” will be accessible to millions of international travelers across all six continents.
A Documentary Made From Rare On-Set Footage (1984–1985)Director Mitsuhiko Kawamura filmed more than 150 hours of behind-the-scenes material during the production of Ran, while he was still a university student.
The footage captures:
Kurosawa’s directing style
・
His humane interactions with cast and crew
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The atmosphere and tensions of the set
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His artistic philosophy expressed through action, not interviews
The film distills these materials into a 93-minute documentary, preserving Kurosawa’s voice, gestures, and method in a form rarely seen by the public.
Director’s Comment“I am deeply honored that Emirates selected this film after personally viewing it.
Akira Kurosawa’s passion, kindness, and uncompromising artistry were all present on that set in 1984–85.
I hope audiences around the world can feel the humanity of Kurosawa—not only the legend, but the man who devoted his life to cinema.”
— Mitsuhiko Kawamura, Director
About EmiratesEmirates is the flag carrier airline of Dubai, United Arab Emirates,
and a member of the Arab Air Carriers Organization.
The airline operates one of the most modern and comfortable fleets in the world,
providing award-winning service delivered by staff representing diverse cultural backgrounds.
More information: https://www.emirates.com/
Title: Filming Akira Kurosawa
Director: Mitsuhiko Kawamura
Runtime: 93 minutes
Country: Japan
Format: HD / 4K Upconversion
Languages: Japanese (with English subtitles)
Mitsuhiko Kawamura
RiverVillage
Email: sun10ro@ymail.ne.jp