“Your father passed away. Give us a call immediately.”

More than a year after her father’s death, and 8 years after the events of EMBRACING, Kawase watches that documentary with her friends as if in mourning. Interrupting this experience are repetitive, momentary interviews of people who were involved with her father before his death, including her real mother and grandmother. Suddenly, Kawase decides to get the same tattoo her father bore throughout his life in an attempt to develop some kind of bond. Blurring the line between documentary and fiction, the film asks of the audience: “What is love for you?”

(The title Kya Ka Ra Ba A is a Buddhist term, kya – the sky, ka – wind, ra – fire, ba – water, and a – earth, all of which, altogether, means the world composed of those elements.)

Distribution: Kumie Inc.

SCREENING · 31 Aug Sun 2.15pm (Part of a DOUBLE-BILL screening)


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
- The Mourning Forest
- Shara
- Embracing
- Katatsumori
- See Heaven
- The Setting Sun
- Birth / Mother

SKY, WIND, FIRE, WATER, EARTH
2001, Japan, 55 min, Colour, Digital, PG
Directed by KAWASE Naomi