Seijiro, an architecture student, returns home to celebrate his grandfather’s 80th birthday.
Yet beneath the gathering lies a concealed family history and an uncertain future, leaving Seijiro quietly adrift.
His father, Ryutaro, faces a struggle over succession within the family’s architectural dynasty, led by patriarch Tatsuzo.
To preserve the family’s outward stability, Seijiro too is pressured into silence.
Amid this turmoil, Seijiro encounters Rana, a photographer capturing abandoned ruins.
Guided by her, they embark on a journey across forgotten landscapes throughout Japan.
As they explore decaying spaces, a bond forms between them that transcends words.
Through this journey, Seijiro comes to confront the secrets he has long carried, eventually arriving at a deeper understanding of his past—and a new resolve.
This film is deeply personal to me.
It was born from a desire to shed light on the quiet struggles faced daily by those living with mental health challenges.
Though often unseen, these realities are undeniably present.
I hope this story may reach those who need it most.
本作は、2024年のInternational Avant-Garde Film Awardsで最優秀実験映画賞・最優秀撮影賞・最優秀俳優賞を受賞し、2023年のSKIPシティ国際Dシネマ映画祭では国内長編部門にノミネートされた。
A quiet monochrome world where light breaks through the empty spaces.
Cinematographer Toshihiko Kizu crafts visuals where light and shadow intertwine, reflecting the protagonist’s inner struggles and solitude.The imagery gently resonates with the viewer’s own emotions.
The score is composed by Hiyoko Takai, known for her work on director Shinzo Katayama’s films "Siblings of the the Cave" and "Missing". Her delicate melodies awaken hidden emotions and gracefully envelop the entire story. The harmony of image and sound creates a profound sense of immersion
Subtle yet powerful performances give the story its depth.
Seijiro, the protagonist, is played by Haya Nakazaki, acclaimed for his roles in "Lonely Glory" and "Wonder Wall". His nuanced, compelling performance earned him the Best Actor Award for this film.
The cast also includes Eri Kamataki (Queen of Villains / Netflix), Shintaro Yuya (Hidarumakaitayo), and seasoned actors Mariko Akama, Hironobu Nomura, and Masatane Tsukayama. Each portrays characters whose silent relationships and unspoken emotions quietly fill the visual space with meaning.
The film received the Best Experimental Feature, Best Cinematography, and Best Actor awards at the 2024 International Avant-Garde Film Awards, and was nominated for Japanese Film Competition at the 2023 SKIP City International D-Cinema Festival.
Directed by ADRIEN LACOSTE
Director of Photography TOSHIHIKO KIZU
Music by HIYOKO TAKAI
Written by ADRIEN LACOSTE KRIS CERNEKA
Editor SHIH TING CHEN
Sound design SAKIYO NAKAYOSHI
Colorist MAX GOLOMIDOV | VFX AKIRA NISHIBU
Still Photography ALLAN ABANI | Design KEITARO TERASAWA
Gaffer KEIJIRO AKIYAMA TAIKI TAKAI
Production Design MASAMI TANAKA CHRIS DARVALL
Costume Design AZUNA SAITO AGNES NATA
Hair & Make-up MAYURI OGURA NARUTAKA HIRATA
Produced by MAHIRO MONDA
Executive Producer MASARU HATANAKA
An A SUR Film
