7.23 (Wed)Competition
Another Day to Stay Alive
- Onsite
- 7.23 (Wed) 10:30 Audio Visual Hall
Featuring: Over the Mountains, Another Day to Stay Alive, Mimesis, and Lucky Strike
©Cyrus Nozomu Sethna
Director: Cyrus Nozomu SETHNA
Cast: Cyrus Nozomu SETHNA, Harumi SHUHAMA, Lila KIKUCHI, Walter ROBERTS
2025 / Japan / 15min.
One morning, a man makes a surprising announcement to his wife. In an attempt to stop him from going through with his plan, his wife, and daughter, Saya, try to dissuade him, but the conversation takes an unexpected turn. Gradually, the man, who was born and raised in Japan as a “foreigner”, reveals his long-held jealousy and resentment toward them. Now, as the hidden sides of each family member are exposed, will the bonds they’ve built as husband and wife, parent and child, and as a family, be strong enough to keep them from falling apart? As complex emotions course through this bilingual family, what will become of them?
Director Cyrus Nozomu Sethna made his debut as a filmmaker with Shoto Story (13), before creating Babel On (15) and My Ideal Date (17). He has directed, written, and produced all of his works. This screening of his latest film, completed eight years after his previous work, marks its world premiere.
Director: Cyrus Nozomu SETHNA
After debuting as a filmmaker in 2013 with Shoto Story, Cyrus Nozomu Sethna created Babel On in 2015 and My Ideal Date in 2017. He has directed, written, and produced all of his works. Another Day to Stay Alive is his fourth film, completed eight years after his previous work.
Message
In 2022, an acquaintance of mine took his own life, leaving behind his wife and eight-year-old daughter. I couldn’t help but wonder: Had he been honest with his family about his suicidal thoughts, could it have been prevented? This became the seed for this film. I myself was born and raised in Japan as a child of non-Japanese parents. Every day, as a resident of Japan, I face the pain of not being accepted. Although life is tough, having honest conversations and supporting each other helps us get through these struggles. I carried this belief in my heart as I created this film.
