Screening time: 92min
Notes for young audiences: There are no violence except for the professional wrestling of Morenas sisters, and violence committed upon slaves in “Mother of the River.” No sex scenes in the short program. Young audiences of all ages can enjoy this program as long as they can understand/read English subtitles or Japanese subtitle.
Taiwan, drama, 15min, 2014. Dir: Midi Z. Japan Premiere (almost simultaneously w/ Aichi Triennale)! Synopsis and UPAF Memo A boat is anchored in the harbor. The ghost of a woman who came from afar has been lingering nearby, searching for the way home. It looks as if she had escaped; but once again, she gets imprisoned in her memories. Chanting of the Buddhist scriptures is heard. The lover in [Read more...]
US, clay animation, 3min, 2015. Dir: Chris Sickels (Red Nose Studio). Japan Premiere! A stranded automobile leaves its driver scanning the horizon for help. He stumbles across a centaur with a drinking problem who offers a unique repair in exchange for a favor. About Red Nose Studio Chris Sickels, the creative force behind Red Nose Studio, creates an eccentric and inviting miniature world [Read more...]
Greece, documentary animation, 2’13”, 2014. Dir: Aristotelis Maragkos. Japan Premiere! Through a fluid line, etching out the shaky outline of the story of his Grandfather’s unconventional life and unexpected death in rural Greece, the artist also discovers parts of himself and shares his reflections on their identities. Annecy International Animated Film Festival 2015, among many [Read more...]
Germany, 2D&3D animation, 6”48”, 2011. Original title: Das Haus. Dir: David Buob. Japan Premiere! Synopsis A little girl’s dream is to care for her grandmother, but her aunt and mother do not let her. There is only one way out. Credits Director - David Buob Script – David Buob Animation – David Buob Camera – David Buob Voice – Francisca Villela Musik – David Buob, [Read more...]
Mexico/Denmark/USA, experimental documentary/portrait film, 13min, 2014. Dir: Marie Losier. Western Japan Premiere! Three women/three sisters/three professional Luchadoras, part of the Moreno Dynasty: Rossy, Esther and Cynthia are competitive wrestlers in the ring. But they also bring lucha libre into life, wrestling with knives, pig heads, flowers and feathers! Bim, Bam, Boom! Berlin Film [Read more...]
Hawaii/USA, documentary, 24min, 2011. Dir: Dean Hamer & Joe Wilson. Japan Premiere! Synopsis: Eleven year old Ho'onani dreams of leading the hula troupe at her inner-city Honolulu school. The only trouble is that the group is just for boys. She's fortunate that her teacher understands first-hand what it's like to be 'in the middle' - the Hawaiian tradition of embracing both male and female [Read more...]
USA, historical drama, 28min, 1995. Dir: Zeinabu Irene Davis. Japan Premiere! In this poignant story set in the 1850s, a young slave girl befriends a magical woman in the woods called Mother of the River. Through their friendship the young girl learns about independence, honor, humility and respect for others. Mother of the River is a rare portrayal of slavery from a young woman's perspective [Read more...]