KAWASE Naomi / 1992 / 8mm / color / 40min.
The filmmaker, who has never known her father, begins a “father search.” Having begun this search against the objections of the grandmother who raised her, her only clue is her family register. Struggling against the “weight of facts,” her process of agonizing over and squeezing out “what can be talked about” as she walks toward her destination gives rise to the film’s style. (From the IFF 1993 catalogue).
Makes films in Nara. Won the Encouragement Prize at IFF 1993 for EMBRACING. Became the youngest winner of the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival for her debut feature film SUZAKU. Won the Grand Prix at this festival in 2007 for MOGARI-THE MOURNING FOREST. Became the first Japanese director to serve on the jury in 2013. Her latest work is AN (2015).