A family blends traditional and modern ways, with wit and affection
Sneak Preview Screening: "Ainu Puri" followed by
a Q&A with director Takeshi Fukunaga
Wednesday, December 4 at 6:00 pm*
*Please note early start time.
In Japanese with English subtitles
Japan 2024 82 minutes
Directed by: Takeshi Fukunaga
Produced by: Takeshi Fukunaga, Eric Nyari
Featuring: Shigeki Amanai, Aika Amanai, Motoki Amanai, Yoshiki Amanai
Film courtesy of Nakachika Pictures
In 2020, Hokkaido native Takeshi Fukunaga created an indelible portrait of life in an indigenous community, "Ainu Mosir," a delicate coming-of-age tale about a young man grappling with the unique choices of home vs. the greater world. While directing that film, Fukunaga met the members of the Amanai family, who were living with modern conveniences but hunting, fishing and performing in ways that honor long-held traditions and beliefs. Intrigued to learn more, he began shooting them.
His new nonfiction work, "Ainu Puri" (literally "the Ainu way"), takes viewers to the stunning vistas of Shiranuka, Hokkaido, and explores how one family is successfully navigating the challenges of living as Ainu in contemporary Japan. Shigeki Amanai is deeply rooted in his heritage, and has dedicated his life to preserving traditional ways. Now, he is passing them on to his young son, Motoki.
Although "Ainu Puri" doesn't shy away from confronting the ongoing loss of culture, language and rights that have beset the Ainu, as they have indigenous people everywhere, the film is filled with humor, joie de vivre and captivating moments that are sure to linger long in the audience's memory.
Please join us for this sneak preview of the beautifully crafted "Ainu Puri" before the Japan release on December 14, 2024.
For more (in Japanese): https://ainupuri-movie.jp/
Director TAKESHI FUKUNAGA hails from Hokkaido and studied filmmaking in New York City. His directorial debut, "Out of My Hand" (2015, shot in Liberia and NYC), premiered in Berlin's Panorama section, won the US Best Fiction Award at the LA Film Festival and was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. His second film, "Ainu Mosir" (2020, shot in Hokkaido), won a Special Jury Mention at the Tribeca Film Festival and was picked up for worldwide distribution by Netflix. "Ainu Puri" premiered at the 2024 Busan International Film Festival. Mr. Fukunaga has also directed episodes of "Tokyo Vice" Season 2 and the Emmy Award-winning series "Shogun."
Please make your reservations at the FCCJ Reception Desk 03 3211-3161 or https://www.fccj.or.jp/.
All film screenings are private, noncommercial events primarily for FCCJ members and their guests.
- Karen Severns, Film Committee