TEHRAN-Three Japanese films will be screened at the Iranian Artists’ Forum (IAF) in Tehran as part of the Japan Cultural Month in Iran.

Titled “Japanese Cinema Days,” the film event is organized jointly by the IAF and Embassy of Japan in Iran, ILNA reported on Monday.

During the three-day event, slated for October 31-November 2, “Somebody’s Flowers” by Yusuke Okuda, “A Long Goodbye” by Ryota Nakano, and “The Lone Ume Tree” by Kotaro Wajima will be shown at the Nasseri Hall of the IAF.

Shown on Tuesday, October 31, “Somebody’s Flowers” revolves around a freak suburban accident. One very windy day in Tokyo, a man is killed walking into his apartment complex by a falling plant pot, sparking an investigation: was it pushed, or did it just fall?

A 2021 production, “Somebody’s Flowers” is a beautiful narrative that explores the mental and societal obstacles that litter the path of those subjects who suddenly need to grieve the loss of loved ones with a refined elegance and a pleasing naturalism. Okuda succeeds in translating his own experiences into a meandering narrative that, without any doubt, will profoundly resonate with its audiences.   

The following day, November 1, “A Long Goodbye” will be screened. The 2019 family drama, tells the story of Mari and Humi who learn from their mother that their father has dementia on his 70th birthday. They help prepare their mother for his farewell and prepare themselves for the emotions to follow.

Based on Kyoko Nakajima's namesake novel, the film portrays every stage of its hero's disease, from beginning to end. 

“The Lone Ume Tree” will be shown on November 2. Produced in 2021, it is about an old house left alone among new buildings. Tamako, a popular fortune teller, lives there alone with her son, Tadao, who is mentally-challenged and autistic. The unpredictable behavior of her son makes her neighbors constantly complain and want them to leave the neighborhood.

With disability rarely represented in mainstream media, Wajima captures with great sensitivity and notes of humor, the strength and vitality of a mother and her disabled son, while not shying away from the problems, prejudices, and conflicts faced by disadvantaged people and their families in Japan.

The Japan Cultural Month is an annual event, during which a plethora of cultural activities are offered to those interested to know more about the Japanese traditions.

This year’s edition of the event that kicked off on October 8, is set to run through to November 20.

The Iranian Artists Forum is located at The Iranian Artists Forum is situated at Artists Park on North Mousavi Street, Taleqani Street.

SS/SAB