Japan
Radiance
Asako I & II
Living in Osaka, Asako falls madly in love. The object of her affections, Baku, is passionate, restless, and hard to pin-down. One day, he wanders right out of her life. Years later, living in Tokyo, Asako encounters Ryohei—a kind, respectable businessman and, mysteriously, Baku’s spitting image. What follows is an intoxicating tale told between two cities (Osaka and Tokyo) and a mesmerizing puzzle of mistaken identities, lingering loves, and passions at cross purposes.[…]
Poupelle of Chimney Town
Poupelle of Chimney Town is the breathtaking story of young Lubicchi and a man made of garbage, Poupelle. Living among the thick smoke from the chimneys of his isolated town, Lubicchi yearns to see the “stars” — to know the truth — his father always told him about. Adapted from the bestselling picture book, Poupelle of Chimney Town is filled with inspiring performances and splendid music and sound effects and produced at Tokyo’s famed STUDIO4ºC.[…]
Sumodo: The Successors of Samurai
The world of sumo wrestling has always been something of a mystery to the world at large. Who are these gigantic athletes who willingly, violently collide with one another? Sumodo: The Successors of Samurai peels back the curtain on this invigorating sport by exploring the lives of the wrestlers themselves. Featuring rare footage of rikishi in training, the film offers a portrait of two dedicated wrestlers as they train, eat, and compete in larger-than-life tournaments in their quest to attain sumo’s highest rank.[…]







