24 episodes

A celebration of all things Third Window Films from the perspective of the fan (Ben) and the man (Adam Torel).

The Third Window Films brand was born in 2005 when its film-loving founders grew bored of the stream of worn-out shock horror vehicles from the Far East.

Third Window Films works hard to bring you the wonderful world beyond long-haired ghost films and mindless Hollywood action copies, sourcing the finest works in new Far Eastern cinema. We strive to represent a rich variety of film genres, be they dramas, comedies, political satires, action or anything else in between. Expect everything from the unknown and cult to the off-beat and even the occasional mainstream masterpiece… or expect nothing but quality Asian cinema!

Let Third Window Films be your window to the East!

The Third Window Films Podcast Ben Challoner & Adam Torel

    • TV & Film
    • 5.0 • 8 Ratings

A celebration of all things Third Window Films from the perspective of the fan (Ben) and the man (Adam Torel).

The Third Window Films brand was born in 2005 when its film-loving founders grew bored of the stream of worn-out shock horror vehicles from the Far East.

Third Window Films works hard to bring you the wonderful world beyond long-haired ghost films and mindless Hollywood action copies, sourcing the finest works in new Far Eastern cinema. We strive to represent a rich variety of film genres, be they dramas, comedies, political satires, action or anything else in between. Expect everything from the unknown and cult to the off-beat and even the occasional mainstream masterpiece… or expect nothing but quality Asian cinema!

Let Third Window Films be your window to the East!

    River

    River

    This time Ben shares his experience with the alphabet film challenege for January before the boys dive into Junta Yamaguchi's latest two minute time loop masterpiece 'RIVER'.
    River is available to own now from  Terracotta Distribution here 
    The links Ben's January and February alphabet challenge lists are below. Stay tuned for the Third Window alphabet list next episode! 
    https://letterboxd.com/benjybox/list/alphabet-challenge-2024-january/
    https://letterboxd.com/benjybox/list/alphabet-challenge-2024-february/
    If you are a fan of the podcast then please take a couple of minutes to rate or review us wherever you listen, and follow Adam and Ben to keep up with all the latest news and reviews from Third Window Films.

    • 46 min
    Mad Cats

    Mad Cats

    The Third Window Films Podcast is back after an unexpected hiatus, but we are starting off 2024 with a bang!
    This episode Adam and Ben kick things off by sharing their favourite East Asian films from last year. They also do a deep dive on the wildly entertaining and utterly bonkers action comedy, 'MAD CATS', which is making its Blu-ray debut this month! And the cherry on top? Ben had the incredible opportunity to talk with the director Reiki Tsuno himself! Reiki shares his experiences and challenges during the production, providing fascinating insights into the making of this unconventional cinematic gem.
    Mad Cats is available to own now from Terracotta Distribution here 
    The links to the videos Adam mentions of Ruice Mori and her mother recreating classic Bruce Lee scenes are below:
    https://x.com/run_kiti/status/1651925225880305672
    https://x.com/run_kiti/status/1631988755052769283 
    https://x.com/run_kiti/status/1667143107975217153
    If you are a fan of the podcast then please take a couple of minutes to rate or review us wherever you listen, and follow Adam and Ben to keep up with all the latest news and reviews from Third Window Films.
     

    • 58 min
    Episode 22 - Banmei Takahashi's Door & Door 2: Tokyo Diary

    Episode 22 - Banmei Takahashi's Door & Door 2: Tokyo Diary

    Join Adam and Ben in this latest episode as they explore the contrasting Halloween festivities of Japan and the UK. From the Tokyo International Film Festival to the eclectic screenings at the London East Asian and Cambridge Film Festivals, they share their top picks and hidden gems from this year's events.
    They also delve into Third Window Films' newest release, the double feature 'Door' and 'Door II: Tokyo Diary'. Directed by Banmei Takahashi, these cult Japanese horror classics from the 'Directors Company Collection' are now available in the UK, complete with new digital restorations and exclusive content.
    DOOR (DIRECTORS COMPANY EDITION BLURAY) available to buy from Terracotta Distribution here, or to rent digitally via Terracotta Asian Film Streaming here.
    If you enjoy our show then please give us a 5 star rating and review wherever you listen, and don't forget to subscribe for more from Third Window Films.
    Follow Adam on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube
    Follow Ben on Twitter and Letterboxd
    As always, thanks for listening x

    • 56 min
    Kiyoshi Kurosawa's The Guard From Underground

    Kiyoshi Kurosawa's The Guard From Underground

    This month Adam and Ben take another deep dive into the world of Japanese cinema as they unpack Kiyoshi Kurosawa's "The Guard From Underground". From Kurosawa's early days at Rikkyo University to his initial foray into directing within the pink film scene, the boys unravel the enigmatic journey of this acclaimed filmmaker.
    The episode also sheds light on Third Window Films' journey to secure the distribution rights for "The Guard From Underground" in the UK.
    Discover the role Susumu Miyasaka and the Director's Company played in shaping the careers of budding filmmakers like Kurosawa, Gakuryū Ishii, and Shinji Sōmai. Learn about the unique environment this guild created by merging talents from the pink film industry with independent cinema.
    Adam and Ben delve into the standout sequences and memorable shots that make "The Guard From Underground" a pivotal piece in Kurosawa's filmography. They also discuss the behind-the-scenes story of Kurosawa's second feature, initially envisioned as "College Girl: Shameful Seminar", and its transformation into "Bumpkin Soup" (also known as "The Excitement of the Do-Re-Mi-Fa Girl").
    Whether you're a seasoned Kurosawa fan or new to his works, this episode is a great companion piece to the brand new Blu-ray release available through Terracotta Distribution here - https://shop.terracottadistribution.com/collections/new-releases/products/the-guard-from-underground
    Follow Adam on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube
    Follow Ben on Twitter and Letterboxd
    If you enjoy our show then please give us a 5 star rating and review wherever you listen, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.
    As always, thanks for listening x

    • 45 min
    The J-Horror Virus with Sarah Appleton and Jasper Sharp

    The J-Horror Virus with Sarah Appleton and Jasper Sharp

    This episode Adam and Ben are joined by documentarian Sarah Appleton and film historian Jasper Sharp to talk all about their new film The J-Horror Virus. We talk about the origins of the genre, our favourite J-Horror films, and the creators that shaped horror culture for decades to come.
    Follow Adam on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube
    Follow Ben on Twitter and Letterboxd
    If you enjoy our show then please give us a 5 star rating and review wherever you listen, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.
    As always, thanks for listening x

    • 1 hr 3 min
    Episode 19 - Katsuhito Ishii, Shark Skin Man & Peach Hip Girl

    Episode 19 - Katsuhito Ishii, Shark Skin Man & Peach Hip Girl

    It's been a minute but your boys are back and better than ever! This episode we catch up on Adam's European tour with Katsuhito Ishii, the glorious double bill at the Prince Charles Cinema with a live Q&A, a surreal dinner with Gareth Evans, and of course the latest boxset from Third Window Films including 6 films from the mighty Katsuhito Ishii himself. We also look to the future and what's coming next for TWF! It's good to be back :)
    Follow Adam on Twitter, Instagram and Youtube
    Follow Ben on Twitter and Letterboxd
    If you enjoy our show then please give us a 5 star rating and review wherever you listen, and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.
    As always, thanks for listening x

    • 1 hr 8 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
8 Ratings

8 Ratings

JHopkins2014 ,

Love this show.

I never thought I’d have a sensation like finding a new band you love as a teenager. Third Window Films gives me that same exhilarating feeling of discovery with every new hidden gem they release. I never tire of hearing about the stuff that happens behind the scenes. I only wish there were more.

There is so little information on a lot of these Filmmakers accessible in the west it’s a joy to hear anyone talk about them. Somai please!

newanimals ,

Great

Very informative podcast for fans of Japanese/East Asian cinema and blu rays with nice awkwardness & humor between the two hosts. I don’t live in the UK or have a region free player; otherwise, I would buy the whole Third Window catalog!

yossrop ,

Love this podcast

Thank you!!!

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