Presented by the New Directors Film Festival

Date: Monday, November 2, 2015
Time: 1:10PM (Japan time)
Venue: Nakano Sun Plaza, Leaf Room
Address: 4-1-1 Nakano, Nakano, Tokyo, Japan
Schedule:

[FILMS]
– TADAIMA
USA | 2014 | 15 min | Directed by Robin Takao D’Oench
George, Akiko, Kaori, and Kazuo return to their former house in the summer of 1945, following the end of World War II and the closure of the Japanese American Internment camps. Arriving home, they find the house ransacked by vandals and in a state of disrepair. Emotions flair and each individual member of the family react differently to the homecoming. While rebuilding their home, the family is able to recover a “takarabako” – a chest of memorable items that had to be left behind before the evacuation, bringing the family closer together. As the day draws to a close, there is a glimmer of hope that the future holds better days.

– Reflection
USA | 2014 | 23 min | Directed by Hazuki Aikawa
Tara, a young single mother, struggles to understand and come to terms with her son’s gender identity. Reflection tells the story of a mother and her enduring influence on her child’s life. It provides an honest look at what it means to be a parent to a LGBTQ+ youth.

– Monk By Blood (お寺の子)
USA | 2013 | 25 min | Directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki
As a first-born son, 21-year-old Scion Sasaki is destined to take over his family’s Buddhist temple in Kyoto, a temple that is 800 years old and has been managed by 23 generations of Scion’s family. Born in California, Scion was was brought back to Japan at the age of 9 and raised to understand his ultimate duty. Meanwhile, he juggles multiple worlds as a monk, DJ, and aspiring chef.

– Tsuyako (艶子)
USA | 2011 | 25 min | Directed by Mitsuyo Miyazaki
During post-war Japan, Tsuyako lives a demanding life as a mill factory worker, obedient wife, and loving mother. When an old female lover, Yoshie, pays a surprise visit, Tsuyako finds herself entranced by the dream of a different life.

– Oh Lucy!
USA | 2014 | 21 min | Directed by Atsuko Hirayanagi
Setsuko, a 55-year-old single ‘office lady’ in Tokyo, is given a blonde wig and a new identity, “Lucy,” by her young unconventional English instructor. “Lucy” awakens desires Setsuko never knew she had. When the instructor suddenly disappears, Setsuko must come to terms with what remains – herself.