1963 | 35mm | JPN | D: Shohei Imamura | Japanese with English subtitles

Overcoming obstacles like an insect climbing over mountains of dirt, Tome is doing all she can to adapt and survive through tumultuous postwar Japan. Born to a rural family, she soon finds herself exposed to intimacy and sexual desire, which later become the key to her survival in Tokyo. Having experienced betrayal, exploitation and the unforgiving world of prostitution, Tome and the women around her are depicted by Imamura as the captivating victims of 20^th century Japan’s rapid transformation, tirelessly searching for a way to live their dreams.

Through his lens, the cinematic ‘entomologist’ Imamura skillfully captures the shifting essence of Japanese society after WWII, depicting the spirited and, at times, opportunistic nature of womanhood across generations. The Insect Woman not only serves as a social critique, but also as a shameless and honest portrait of women's lives, a perspective that earned Imamura critical acclaim for his thought-provoking themes and cemented his reputation as a pioneer in Japanese cinema.

The film won 14 awards in Japan, including the Blue Ribbon Award for Best Film and Kinema Junpo Award for Best Film of the Year.

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Arc Cinema

1 McCoy Circuit Acton, Australian Capital Territory, 2601

Information

Transport

Accessibility

We are situated in the heart of Canberra on McCoy Circuit, Acton, between the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and the grounds of the Australian National University. Just a 10-minute walk from the city and state bus interchanges.

BY BUS - WEEKDAYS

Note: the NFSA is open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day), and outside those times for special film screenings and events – see our upcoming events calendar.
ON THE NUMBER 6
Route R6 runs between Woden Interchange and City West approximately every 10 to 20 minutes from 5.30am to 11.00pm weekdays. To use this service to visit the NFSA, alight at London Cct after Edinburgh Ave and proceed 600 metres along Gordon Street to the entrance on McCoy circuit.
ON THE NUMBER 53
Route 53 runs between National Museum Lennox Crossing and Dickson Shops Cowper Street on average every 30 minutes from 7.00am to 10.10pm weekdays. Bus alights at Liversidge St behind the NFSA.
Transport Canberra's Routes and Timetables site can help you find the most practical way to our venue (and others).
ON THE CULTURE LOOP FREE SHUTTLE BUS
The free Culture Loop shuttle bus stops at NewActon (on Edinburgh Avenue), within walking distance of the NFSA.

BY BUS - WEEKENDS

Note: the NFSA is open daily 10.00am – 4.00pm (except Christmas Day and New Year's Day), and outside those times for special film screenings and events – see our upcoming events calendar.
ON THE NUMBER 6
Route R6 runs between Woden Interchange and City West approximately every 10 to 20 minutes from 7.00am to 9.00pm weekends and public holidays. To use this service to visit the NFSA, alight at London Cct after Edinburgh Ave and proceed 600 metres along Gordon Street to the entrance on McCoy circuit.
Transport Canberra's Routes and Timetables site can help you find the most practical way to our venue (and others).
ON THE CULTURE LOOP FREE SHUTTLE BUS
The free Culture Loop shuttle bus stops at NewActon (on Edinburgh Avenue), within walking distance of the NFSA.

PARKING

There is dedicated visitor parking on the premises between McCoy Circuit and Ellery Cresent (paid parking, up to three hours). There is also limited free parking surrounding the building on Liversidge Street.
We recommend using public transport in peak times.

Accessible parking is available off McCoy Circuit.
Wheelchair/accessible access via Liversidge Street.