Hanabi Film Festival

Division/Clinton

When

Aug. 18–31, 2025

Days vary, Times vary

Where

Clinton Street Theater

2522 SE Clinton St
Portland, OR 97202

Join Clinton Street Theater for the third annual Hanabi Film Festival, happening select days August 18 – 31, and celebrate a wide range of works from Japan. This year, the festival features several restorations of classic and cult films along with brand new features coming to Portland and the U.S. for the first time. 

Named after the Japanese word for fireworks, hanabi festivals are common throughout Japan as a way to invite tourists and locals to celebrate the summer season. Customs include wearing yukata—a lightweight cotton kimono to beat the heat, street food such as yakitori, takoyaki, and shaved ice, and live music.

The relationship between Portland and Japan runs deep. In 1959, Portland and Sapporo became sister cities, one of the oldest such declarations in America. Japan is one of Oregon’s largest import and export markets with billions of dollars of goods and services exchanged each year. There’s even a PDX Taproom in Shibuya, Tokyo. This film festival seeks to show audiences the broad genre of films from Japan, from 1960s arthouse favorites to cult gems from the 1980s and new works, including award-winning animated features and critically-acclaimed indie productions. The goal of this festival opens Portlanders to new films and encourages people to seek out their own favorites from Japan.

Please note that not all films are appropriate for all-ages. Some films may contain scenes that could be viewed as controversial, offensive, or even triggering.