Katami / 形見
Cast
Eiko Asano, Hitokazu Ishizaki, Makoto Noro, Akihiko Oikawa.
Synopsis
The word "Katami" means a "keepsake" or "memento" — an object that embodies the memory of someone dear. Obayashi shoots a tender and piercing sketch about a woman who visits the cemetery with her son on a sunny day to see her husband's grave. The grainy texture of 8mm film, uneven light, a restless handheld camera, and the flight of a toy airplane briefly bring back to life a memory of love and loss. The director himself performs the piano piece heard in the film.
About the Director
Nobuhiko Obayashi (January 9, 1938, Onomichi, Japan — April 10, 2020, Tokyo) was a classic figure of Japanese cinema and one of the pioneers who blurred the line between experimental and mainstream film. He began making 8mm films as a child and continued the practice throughout his life; in 1964 he co-founded a Tokyo underground/independent film circle. After fifteen years in advertising, he made his feature directorial debut with the surreal horror-comedy "House" ("Hausu," 1977), which became a cult classic. Other key works include the "Onomichi trilogy" and "Sada" (1998, FIPRESCI Prize at the Berlin Film Festival). He died of lung cancer in 2020, having completed his final film, "Labyrinth of Cinema" (2019), after his diagnosis.
Festivals and Awards
- Screening (retrospective "Nobuhiko Obayashi films," curated by Alina Roslykova) — O-FEST
