2025 French-Belgian animated film Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (Amélie et la métaphysique des tubes), set in Japan, plays in Pittsburgh from November 6.

The 2025 French-Belgian animated film Little Amélie or the Character of Rain (Amélie et la métaphysique des tubes) will play in Pittsburgh from November 6.

The world is a perplexing, peaceful mystery to Amélie until a miraculous encounter with chocolate ignites her wild sense of curiosity. As she develops a deep attachment to her family’s housekeeper, Nishio-san, Amélie discovers the wonders of nature as well as the emotional truths hidden beneath the surface of her family’s idyllic life as foreigners in post-war Japan. Adapted from the autobiographical novel by Amélie Nothomb and brought to life in the completely original animated style of directors Mailys Vallade and Liane-Cho Han, LITTLE AMÉLIE OR THE CHARACTER OF RAIN tells a tender, poignant and visually stunning story about the healing power of human connection.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theater in the North Hills, and tickets are available online.

"Crossing Boundaries," on significance of Japanese prints on Frank Lloyd Wright, October 21 at Pitt.

The Department of History of Art and Architecture at the University of Pittsburgh will host Kevin Nute and his talk "Crossing Boundaries" on October 21.

Kevin Nute will examine how Frank Lloyd Wright’s exposure to Japanese prints, rather than buildings, radically changed his approach to the indoor/outdoor interface.

About the speaker: Dr. Kevin Nute, Professor of Architecture at the University of Hawai'i, Manoa, is the author of Place, Time and Being in Japanese Architecture (2004), Naturally Animated Architecture (2018), and Frank Lloyd Wright and Japan Revisited (2025), and he is currently the 2025 scholar in residence at the Fallingwater Institute.

The talk starts at 4:00 pm in 125 Frick Fine Arts (map) and is free and open to the public.

1990 Zhang Yimou film Ju Dou (菊豆) in Pittsburgh, November 10 and 11.

The 1990 Zhang Yimou film Ju Dou (菊豆) will play in Pittsburgh on November 10 and 11, part of the Harris Theater's occasional International Art House Classics series.

The film that put director Zhang Yimou and star Gong Li on the international cinema map follows beautiful young Ju Dou as she is married off to an egregiously cruel, and also impotent, owner of a dye mill in the Chinese countryside in the early 20th century. When the boss’ nephew arrives on the scene they fall for each other with lustful abandon. Their impassioned affair soon leads to a son. After the clandestine couple convinces the despotic husband that he is the father, the boy is raised as his long-awaited heir. However the myriad complications of infidelity lead to a visceral and psychological melee between the lovers and their ruler with explosively dramatic turns. With its stunning mise en scène and sumptuous use of color, Ju Dou was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards® and has earned a reputation as one of the greatest Chinese films ever made.

Restoration effected at Hiventy Laboratory (Paris) by IMPEX Films with the support of ARTE, France.

Tickets are available online. The Harris Theater is located in downtown's Cultural District (map).

2025 Philippine film Meet, Greet, & Bye in Pittsburgh, from November 13.

The 2025 Philippine film Meet, Greet, & Bye will play in Pittsburgh from November 13.

Meet, Greet and Bye is an upcoming Philippine family drama film directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana and produced by Star Cinema. The film stars Maricel Soriano as the family matriarch, with Piolo Pascual, Joshua Garcia, Belle Mariano, and Juan Karlos Labajo playing her children.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the Cinemark theater in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

2025 Japanese animated movie Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇) in Pittsburgh, from October 23.

The 2025 Japanese animated movie Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇) will play in the Pittsburgh area, from October 23.

For the first time, Chainsaw Man slashes his way onto the big screen in an epic, action-fueled adventure that continues the hugely popular anime series. Denji worked as a Devil Hunter for the yakuza, trying to pay off the debt he inherited from his parents, until the yakuza betrayed him and had him killed. As he was losing consciousness, Denji’s beloved chainsaw-powered devil-dog, Pochita, made a deal with Denji and saved his life. This fused the two together, creating the unstoppable Chainsaw Man. Now, in a brutal war between devils, hunters, and secret enemies, a mysterious girl named Reze has stepped into his world, and Denji faces his deadliest battle yet, fueled by love in a world where survival knows no rules.

It plays locally at the AMC Classic South Hills Village, the AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson. Tickets are available online.

KPop Demon Hunters A Sing-Along Event in Pittsburgh, October 31 - November 2.

The feature-length film KPop Demon Hunters A Sing-Along Event will return to Pittsburgh from October 31.

We're goin' up, up, up — and now it's YOUR moment! Back by popular demand on Halloween weekend, seal the Honmoon and sing your favorite "KPop Demon Hunters" songs with HUNTR/X and the Saja Boys in this full-length, sing-along version of the Netflix hit film.

It played here previously in August. It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in Monroeville and Monaca, and tickets are available online. The Cinemark website also indicates shows in McCandless, with tickets for those available here.

2025 Japanese animated movie Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved (小林さんちのメイドラゴン さみしがりやの竜 in Pittsburgh, October 20.

The 2025 Japanese animated movie Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid: A Lonely Dragon Wants to be Loved (小林さんちのメイドラゴン さみしがりやの竜 will play in Pittsburgh on October 20.

Miss Kobayashi, Tohru, Kanna, and Iruru's peaceful lives are shattered when Kanna’s father, Kamun Kamui, leader of the Chaos Forces, arrives and forces her to return to the Dragon World to fix a past mistake. With a war brewing between Chaos and Harmony, Kanna must find a way to unite the two worlds, but is torn between her loyalty to her friends and her father's demands. Miss Kobayashi, however, refuses to let her go and tries to mend Kanna and Kamui’s broken bond. As dragons clash, Iruru uncovers a hidden force manipulating the war. Can they stop the war before it consumes both worlds?

It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

"Acts of Remembrance: Moving, Writing, Making" with Maree ReMalia, November 4.

The CMU Center for New Work Development & Kelly Strayhorn Theater will present "Acts of Remembrance: Moving, Writing, Making," with Maree ReMalia, on November 4.

Join choreographer Maree ReMalia and collaborators for an interdisciplinary dance workshop. The workshop will begin with a guided movement warm-up, shifting through meditative gestures, full-bodied expressions, and playful, game-like interactions in ways that honor the richness of our diverse physicalities and lived experiences. Following the warm-up, the group will explore themes of remembrance through experimentation with movement, writing, vocalization, collage, and altar creation. This workshop is inspired by ReMalia’s forthcoming work WITH OURSELVES, WITH EACH OTHER, a solo that invites us to collectively grieve and celebrate against all odds. No prior experience is necessary! Please wear clothing comfortable for movement and bring a special memory object, photograph, or token to contribute to the shared altar (all personal belongings will be returned; this is also optional). Attendees are encouraged to also bring a water bottle, journal, and sneakers.

Maree ReMalia (creator/performer/co-director) is a dance-maker, performer, and teaching artist. An adoptee born in South Korea and raised in Ohio, she uses her artistic practice to foster connection while welcoming and honoring diverse bodies, expressions, and lived experiences. Her projects have been presented at venues including La MaMa, Gibney, and Dance Place. She has performed with slowdanger and STAYCEE PEARL dance project and taught at Bates, Brown, and CMU.

The event starts at 7:00 pm and is held at Three Stories in downtown's Cultural District (map). Tickets are available online.

2001 Hayao Miyazaki film Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) in Pittsburgh, from October 17.

The 2001 film Spirited Away (千と千尋の神隠し) will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters from October 17, the next installment of Studio Ghibli Fest 2025.

On a long car ride to their new home, young Chihiro and her parents stop by an abandoned park that turns out to be a gateway to the spirit world. Chihiro’s parents become cursed, and she is put to work in a bathhouse frequented by creatures both adorable and grotesque. Stripped even of her true name, Chihiro must cling tightly to her slipping memories to reconnect with her mother and father and break free from this bizarre and dreamlike realm. Spirited Away earned Studio Ghibli and director Hayao Miyazaki their first Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, and remains heralded not only as a landmark of animation, but as one of the greatest films of all time.

It plays on the 17th at Moraine Point Cinemas in Butler, then from the 18th at many Pittsburgh-area theaters including Waterworks Cinema, AMC Loews Waterfront, Chartiers Valley Luxury 14, and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson. Tickets are available online; please note, some screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles while others are dubbed in English.

You Had to Be There Kpop Night coming to Pittsburgh, March 21.

Very advance notice for You Had To Be There's Kpop Night in Pittsburgh, March 21 at City Winery in the Strip District.

Dance to your favorite KPOP songs all night long! Party all night to your favorite hits from BTS, BLACKPINK, Stray Kids, TWICE, NCT, NewJeans, and more! Local dance cover groups will also be taking the stage throughout the night.

Tickets are not yet available.

4K restoration of 1985 Japanese animated film Angel's Egg (天使のたまご) in Pittsburgh, November 12.

A 4K restoration of 1985 Japanese animated film Angel's Egg (天使のたまご) will play in Pittsburgh on November 12. A synopsis, from the distributor:

In an underwater city, a young girl takes care of a large egg she holds carefully in her arms – a treasure that she believes is an angel’s egg. A boy with a gun arrives in search of a bird he saw in his dream. At first it seems as if feelings of sympathy are developing between the two. Then, one night, the boy crushes her precious egg.

Forty years after the film’s original release, GKIDS is proud to present an all-new 4K restoration of the film, which is being supervised by director Oshii, in cinemas nationwide for the first time[.]

First released directly to home video in 1985, the film is a creative collaboration between internationally acclaimed director Mamoru Oshii (Ghost in the Shell), who wrote and directed the feature, and revered artist Yoshitaka Amano (Final Fantasy, Vampire Hunter D). The film beautifully intertwines Oshii’s thematic reflections on philosophy and theology, with Amano’s distinctive ink painting style, culminating in an arrestingly beautiful hand-drawn allegorical fantasy.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront, and tickets are available online.

2025 concert film j-hope Tour 'HOPE ON THE STAGE' THE MOVIE in Pittsburgh, November 12 and 15.

The 2025 concert film j-hope Tour 'HOPE ON THE STAGE' THE MOVIE will play in Pittsburgh-area theaters on November 12 and 15.

“I won’t forget this. Since this is my Safety Zone.” Spanning 16 cities and 33 performances with 524,000 ARMY worldwide, j-hope’s first solo world tour “HOPE ON THE STAGE” celebrates its grand finale. Experience the spectacular two-night encore from Goyang - now in cinemas! Witness the full spectrum of j-hope's artistry, from the iconic tracks of his solo album “Jack In The Box” and special album “HOPE ON THE STREET VOL.1” to the world premiere of “Killin’ It Girl.” Experience his spectacular live performances on the big screen, complete with exclusive behind-the-scenes moments and special stages featuring Jin, Jung Kook, and Crush. Relive the unforgettable, sparkling moment between j-hope and ARMY - j-hope’s true “Safety Zone”- and experience the final stage of his first solo world tour in HOPE ON THE STAGE THE MOVIE.

It is scheduled to play locally, so far, at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark in Robinson, and tickets are available online.

“Teaching East Asian Languages in the Era of AI," October 29 at Pitt.

The University of Pittsburgh's Department of East Asian Languages and Literatures and the Robert Henderson Language Media Center will present “Teaching East Asian Languages in the Era of AI” on October 29.

How are instructors reshaping East Asian language classes with technology-enhanced pedagogy—from GenAI and video journals to collaborative tools like Padlet? This special EALL colloquium also showcases how East Asian languages are taught at Pitt including our classroom practices, tools, and design choices across Chinese, Korean, and Japanese. Open to students, grad students, and language teachers.

The schedule includes opening remarks from Department Chair Elizabeth Oyler at 2:00 pm, followed by: 

• Fan Fan - "Integrating AI and Creativity in Chinese Language Learning" (2:10 - 2:30)
• Bei Cheng - "Using AI as a Tutor for Chinese: Enhancing Student Writing through GenAI-Assisted Error Correction" (2:30 - 2:50)
• Hyunju Ha and Shun Maruyama - "Out of the Box, On Camera: Reimagining Speaking Practice through Video Journals in Korean and Japanese Classrooms" (2:50 - 3:20)
• Wanching Hsieh-Meyers - "Showcasing Learning with Padlet" (3:20 - 3:40)

The event concludes with closing remarks from Na-Rae Han, Director of the Robert Henderson Language Media Center.

The event is free and open to the public. The Robert Henderson Language Media Center is located on the ground floor of the Cathedral of Learning.

2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編) stays in Pittsburgh area through (at least) October 22.

The 2025 movie Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle (劇場版「鬼滅の刃」無限城編), which opened in Pittsburgh-area theaters on September 11, will stay here through (at least) October 22.

The Demon Slayer Corps plunge into Infinity Castle to defeat Muzan. However, the remaining Hashiras and the Demon Slayers who survived Tanjiro's Final Selection are pitted against the remaining members of the Twelve Kizuki first.

It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC theaters in Waterfront, AMC Classic South Hills, and AMC Westmoreland in Greensburg, tickets are available online.

TWICE documentary ONE IN A MILL10N in Pittsburgh area, from October 20.

The 2025 documentary on Korean group TWICE, ONE IN A MILL10N, plays in the Pittsburgh area from October 20.

In 2015, with the greeting “One in a million, TWICE!”, a new K - pop group stepped on to the world stage. From chart - topping anthems like “CHEER UP,” “TT,” “What is Love?,” "FANCY,” and “Feel Special”, TWICE captured hearts far beyond Korea, becoming a global phenomenon. This documentary follows their decade - long journey — countless hours of dedication, the dazzling spotlight of worldwide tours, and candid reflections on their growth, friendship, and even their dreams for the future. For ten years, brighter than any stage light, ‘ONCE’ has been at the very heart of their story. Through never - before - seen interviews and the heartfelt process of preparing a 10th anniversary celebration, the film reveals what TWICE has truly meant to one another — and to the fans who have walked beside them. On their 10th anniversary, 〈 ONE IN A MILLI0N 〉 comes to the screen, revealing the true reason behind the existence of TWICE — a group like no other.

It is scheduled to play locally at the AMC Loews Waterfront and the Cinemark theaters in McCandless, Monroeville, and Robinson, and tickets are available online.

"LitFest 2025: Bringing Chinese Literature to America with Editor Han Zhang (Riverhead Books) & Translator Jeremy Tiang," October 19 with City of Asylum.

City of Asylum will present "Bringing Chinese Literature to America with Editor Han Zhang (Riverhead Books) & Translator Jeremy Tiang" on October 19, part of LitFest 2025.

Publishers, book clubs, and bookstores alike are abuzz with rave reviews for one of the season’s hottest books: Yueran Zhang’s Women, Seated. The riveting story shines a spotlight on a powerful Chinese family’s fall from grace, detailing a world of luxury, wealth, and around-the-clock service, with secrets hidden in every shadow. Full of drama and intrigue most American audiences are chomping at the bit for, one could almost forget that this bestseller likely wouldn’t have made it to a front-of-store display without the work of editor Han Zhang and translator Jeremy Tiang. 

Fourth River Public Music Industry Seminars: Record Labels, with Melanie Sheehan and Joyce Lim, October 18 at Wood Street Galleries.

Fourth River will present "Fourth River Public Music Industry Seminars: Record Label," with guest speakers Melanie Sheehan and Joyce Lim, on October 18 at the Wood Street Galleries.

What is the role of a label in 2025? How do you get on their radars to get signed? What are the pros and cons of big, major labels and small, indie labels? How do you start your own? This session will cover the world of music labels in the present day and help musicians engage with them with agency. Guest speakers: Melanie Sheehan (US General Manager, Rough Trade Records) and Joyce Lim (1432r).

Fourth River, a collaboration between Honcho PGH and The Rising Artist Foundation, is proud to present our FREE Public Music Industry Seminars, every Saturday from Oct. 11 to Nov. 15 at Wood Street Galleries. Named in homage to the city's underground, essential aquifer, this program will help artists nourish and navigate their creative careers with clarity. Each week, we'll present different topics with leading guest speakers to help demystify the music industry for rising music makers.

The event runs from 2:00 to 3:00 pm and is free and open to the public, though online RSVP is required. Wood Street Galleries are located at 601 Wood St. downtown (map).

Studio Ghibli Week returns to Row House Lawrenceville, November 7 through 13.

The Row House Lawrenceville will show four films as part of its annual Studio Ghibli Week, running this year from November 7 through 13. Porco Rosso (紅の豚), Ponyo (崖の上のポニョ), Princess Mononoke (もののけ姫), and My Neighbor Totoro (となりのトトロ) comprise this year's programming. Tickets and movie information is available online; please note, some screenings are in Japanese with English subtitles while some are dubbed in English. The single-screen theater is located at 4115 Butler St. (map).

Pittsburgh Taiko Beginner Classes, four Sundays starting October 19.

Pittsburgh Taiko is resuming a series of Beginner Classes starting October 19 and running for four Sundays. through November 9.

Learn taiko drumming with Pittsburgh Taiko!

On Sunday mornings starting October 19, Pittsburgh Taiko will hold a four-week introductory class. This class is for people who are interested in joining our performing group or anyone who wants to just give taiko a try.

Taiko combines energetic hits with calm focus, balances group unity with individual expression, and requires both power and subtlety.  

Each class is from 10 to 11:30 AM at our studio in Bellevue. 

Dates for the four-week course:

• Class 1: Sunday, October 19
• Class 2: Sunday, October 26
• Class 3: Sunday, November 2
• Class 4: Sunday, November 9

No experience is necessary! If you recently took one of our workshops, this will be a more in-depth study of some of the topics we introduced there.

These classes are designed for adults and older kids (high school or older). Discounted rates are available for full-time students and JASP members.

Note that our studio is a masked space, and unfortunately it is not accessible to folks who can't climb stairs.

Please read the FAQ information at pittsburghtaiko.com/classes before registering.

Sessions are $50 for the general public and $40 for JASP members and students. Registration may be completed online. The studio is located at 2 N. Balph Ave., second floor in Bellevue (map).

2002 Japanese horror film Ju-on: The Grudge (呪怨) at Rangos Giant Cinema, October 17.

The 2002 Japanese horror film Ju-on: The Grudge (呪怨) will play at the Rangos Giant Cinema on October 17.

“Ju-on: The Grudge” brought worldwide attention to the Japanese horror film industry with its terrifying blend of unique storytelling and unforgettably frightening visuals. Rangos Giant Cinema’s immersive Dolby Atmos surround sound adds another layer to the nightmare, making this screening an experience that will be sure to haunt you. Join us on Fri., Oct. 17 at 9:30 p.m.

Tickets are available online; tickets for the cinema are separate from tickets fro the Kamin Science Center. The newly-renamed Kamin Science Center, formerly known as the Carnegie Science Center, is located at 1 Allegheny Ave. on the North Shore (map).