THE FLYING LUNA CLIPPER
(ザ・フライング・ルナクリッパー)
Dir. Ikko Ohno. 1987.
Japan. 55 min.
In English and Japanese with English Subtitles.

SATURDAY, JULY 5 - 7:30 PM
TUESDAY, JULY 8 - 10:00 PM
FRIDAY, JULY 18 - MIDNIGHT
TUESDAY, JULY 22 - 10:00 PM

Throughout the 1980s, the highly versatile range of MSX home computers were taking Japan by storm. Their ease of use made them perfect for the education sector, whereas their graphic and sound hardware made them ideal for gaming and artistry. One such artist was the enigmatic Ikko Ohno, a graphic designer and columnist working for MSX Magazine. His unmistakable and playful trop-pop art covers (made on MSX computers) can be found across the catalog. During this time, Ohno began working on a movie which could further showcase his own art while also demonstrating the full, untapped potential of MSX computing.

Released onto the local home video market before quickly falling into obscurity, it would be almost 30 years until a rogue Laserdisc copy of Ohno’s art project was discovered in a Japanese thrift store by journalist Matt Hawkins, who would eventually unleash what is thought to be one of the strangest experimental pieces of animation ever made – THE FLYING LUNA CLIPPER, which has gone on to influence artists, musicians, and game creators the world over.

Laying somewhere in the sands between video game and video art, THE FLYING LUNA CLIPPER is a tranquil and tropical hazy daydreamy tale of vacationing snowmen, magnificent sea-planes, and dancing banana ladies. The island vibes are undeniable, and must be seen to be believed.

Screening alongside:

NAGISA NO PEPPY
(渚のペピー)
1987.
Japan. 2 min.