Kawase’s Grand Prix winner is a poignant tale of the unexpected connections between two individuals grappling with grief and loss. Shigeki is an elderly man grieving for his long dead wife. He suffers from dementia and is confined to a nursing home. While there he befriends young nurse Machiko, haunted by the loss of her child. One day Machiko takes Shigeki for a countryside drive on his birthday. When the car lands in a ditch, they embark on an unexpected journey of discovery. This eloquent story unfolds against the lush and tranquil setting of western Japan, where Kawase’s natural touch as a filmmaker creates an inner geography of emotion.

Distribution: Celluloid Dreams


SCREENING · 29 Aug Fri 7.30pm | 31 Aug Sun 7.30pm

Meet KAWASE Naomi - our guest director at this festival through an introduction, Q&As and discussions. Please check the schedule for details.

OTHER FILMS BY KAWASE Naomi
- Shara
- Embracing
- Sky, Wind, Fire, Water, Earth
- Katatsumori
- See Heaven
- The Setting Sun
- Birth / Mother

THE MOURNING FOREST
2007, Japan, 99 min, Colour, 35mm, PG
Directed by KAWASE Naomi