7.22 (Tue) Competition
Swaying Hand
- Onsite
- 7.22 (Tue) 10:30 Audio Visual Hall
Double Feature: Together Up There & Swaying Hand
©2024 川上 栄輝
Director: Eiki KAWAKAMI
Cast: Shiho, Mayu OZAWA, Kyuta AMEMIYA, Tousei YAMGUCHI, Sanae YUKI, Kaori INAGAWA
2025 / Japan / 54min.
After spending 13 years in prison for committing murder, Yoko is released and is reunited with her daughter Akari, who was raised in a children’s home. Now, the two begin a new life together in Akari’s home in a quiet port town. As if trying to make up for the years lost, the mother and daughter slowly begin to reconnect despite the unease they feel toward one another. The film offers a meticulous portrayal of a woman striving to become a mother again while confronting the weight of her past crime, and of a daughter caught between love and resentment. Fragments of everyday life, and performances that carry simmering emotions under a quiet façade subtly bring each character’s inner turmoil to the surface. This, along with the scenery of the port town in the latter part of the film, results in a deeply resonant emotional experience. A heartfelt work by director Eiki Kawakami who studied filmmaking at ENBU SEMINAL, both the direction and screenplay of this mid-length drama are imbued with sincerity, offering a glimpse into what forgiveness and renewal mean in the modern age. This screening marks its world premiere.
Director: Eiki KAWAKAMI
After graduating from university, Eiki Kawakami worked for three years at a group home for people with disabilities. Driven by a growing passion for creating films, he then took a job at a movie theater. There, he helped a co-worker produce a film, which further deepened his commitment to pursue a career in filmmaking. After enrolling in the ENBU SEMINAL in 2023, he directed Swaying Hand and Hokorobi Laundry Days. He currently continues to work part-time while assisting on film shoots and writing screenplays.
Message
I’m Eiki Kawakami, the director of Swaying Hand.
I poured my heart and hopes into this film, and it brings me genuine happiness that it’s now reaching all of you.
Working with limited time and a small team, I gave my all to make this film.
My motto is “to live my life with kindness”, and I would like to continue exploring the many forms of “kindness” though my creative work.
This film is my first step on that journey. I hope that each of you will connect with it in your own way.
