Oct. 17, 2020|Japan | United States | China|84 Min.|n/A
Genre: Drama
Description: “Ainu Mosir” (meaning “the land of the Ainu; Hokkaido”) is a 2020 Japanese drama film directed by Takeshi Fukunaga. The story revolves around a 14-year-old Ainu boy named Kanto, who lives in a small town in Hokkaido. After his father’s passing, his mother operates an Ainu gift shop. Kanto feels discontent with his life in the town and wishes to distance himself from his Ainu heritage.
Under the mentorship of an Ainu elder, a friend of his late father, Kanto begins to explore the traditions of his ancestors. The Ainu community reintroduces a controversial lost tradition called Iomante, forcing Kanto to confront his place within his culture. As he delves deeper, he discovers not only his heritage but also its mystical aspects, ultimately beginning a journey of self-discovery.
The film premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, offering a poignant look at the clash between personal identity, modernity, and traditional ways of life.
Cast director: Takeshi Fukunaga
Cast actor: Kanto Shimokura, Emi Shimokura, Debo Akibe, Toko Miura, Lily Franky
Original name: アイヌモシㇼ