Yasuzo Masumura (1924-86) studied under Federico Fellini and Luchino Visconti on a study abroad program in Italy before working as assistant director for Kenji Mizoguchi and Kon Ichikawa after returning to Japan. He directed his first film in 1957. He gave rise to new Japanese cinema through modern, daring direction and has left us with a number of works, including some that look at life and death and some that entertain.

This event includes the screening of his best representative films, such as, The Kiss, Warm Current, Giants and Toys, Dr. Hanaoka's Wife, and Hoodlum Soldier.