The 10th Okinawa International Movie Festival kicked off with several events Thursday, April 19, including a program called “Sakurazaka Film University,” held at the independent Sakurazaka Theatre.

First up was a screening of the Indian film Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. It is a sequel to the 2015 action fantasy epic Baahubali: The Beginning. Although the first film in the series was made for the Indian market, its large-scale action sequences, over-the-top visual effects and non-stop pace made it a visual feast that found fans in countries around the world. Japan was no exception, and the second film in the series was eagerly anticipated.

However, this was no ordinary screening. It was special interactive event hosted by movie writer Maho Morita, who wrote a hilarious nonfiction book about moving to Hollywood to become a movie director despite having no money and no English skills. Morita introduced several of Japan’s top comedians, including Razor Ramon, Nobuhiko Otani and the duo Peach Castle, who distributed light sticks and tambourines to the crowd. It was explained that this would be an “audience participation” screening—like ones of The Rocky Horror Picture Show where fans shout back at the screen.

The comedians took their microphones to the back row of the theater, and improvised commentary as the film played. Some of the comments were shed light on the movie. For example, Otani said “the director of this film loves old Indian films, so he copies that style that is meant to be a bit funny.” Other comments made the audience erupt into laughter. When the villain drops a chalice of poisoned wine and writhes in agony, Morita yelled out “I think you’ve had enough to drink!”

The most fun was the participation of the general audience members, who chanted the name “Baahubali! Baahubali!” when the handsome character appeared to tame an elephant on a rampage through a crowded market, and shook their tambourines in rhythm with the music. With everyone having so much fun, the screening perfectly matched the 10-year theme of the festival… “Laugh & Peace.”

• Tweet