Special Screening – Ainu: Indigenous People of Japan
Free Film Screening
June 6, 2019
AINU: INDIGENOUS PEOPLE OF JAPAN
DIR NAOMI MIZOGUCHI / 2019 / 80 MINS / SUITABLE FOR ALL AGES / PRODUCED BY: GARA FILMS, IN COLLABORATION WITH: NIBUTANI AINU CULTURE MUSEUM
Hokkaido, the northern-most island of Japan has been the home of the indigenous Ainu people of Japan for generations. Over the years, the Ainu population has been experiencing a decline with now less than 20,000 indigenous people living in Hokkaido. Much of the culture has been lost due to policies implemented in 1869 which saw mass assimilation and development of native land.
Through the stories of four elders, this documentary sheds light on Ainu traditions, both past and present, and the efforts made to keep Ainu culture alive in Japan.
This film screening is part of the event program for Coexistences: Portraits of Today’s Japan, a free exhibition on display at The Japan Foundation Gallery from April 12 to June 21, 2019.
NAOMI MIZOGUCHI
After working at a film production company in Japan, Mizoguchi went freelance in 1995, and has since created various films, including documentaries for TV, promotional videos, and short cultural films.
She moved to New York City in 2004 to study community media and wound up working at the Downtown Community Television Center, one of the largest and oldest community media organizations in the United States. In 2008, Mizoguchi co-established a non-profit organization called Cineminga, and proceeded to provide indigenous people in Colombia, Ecuador, and Nepal with the equipment and skills required to create films together. The resulting works were selected for screenings at indigenous people’s film festivals in Canada, Colombia, Nepal and the United States.
After resigning from Cineminga in 2014, Mizoguchi established GARA FILMS. She continues to create films with a broad view, such as shows for mainstream media as well as in focus films about community issues. Over the course of her career, Mizoguchi has directed over 100 films and has edited in excess of 300 films. She currently resides in New York City.
© 2019 Gara Films. All rights reserved.
Film Schedule
June 6, 2019 (Thursday)
6:30pm-7:55pm (Doors open 6pm)
* DOORS OPEN 30 MINUTES BEFORE EVENT START
SCREENING WILL BE HELD IN A SEMINAR ROOM TYPE EVENT SPACE.
BEAN BAGS AND CHAIRS ARE AVAILABLE AS SEATING
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO BRING BOTTLED NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND SNACKS (NO HOT FOOD PLEASE).
VENUE
The Japan Foundation, Sydney
Level 4, Central Park
28 Broadway
Chippendale NSW 2008
ADMISSION
Free, no bookings required.
Limited capacity; first-come, first-served.
ENQUIRIES
(02) 8239 0055
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