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Film: “Ainu: Indigenous People of Japan”
“Ainu: Indigenous People of Japan” A film by Naomi Mizoguchi.
Free Screening with Q&A and reception!
Tuesday, June 30th at 6pm JAA-NY 49 W. 45th St. NYC, 5th floor.
Co-sponsored by JAA NY, ZAJA NYC, and JACL-NY.
Please join us for a special community screening of an award-winning film by Naomi Mizoguchi followed by a Q&A with the director (moderated by JACL-NY Interim President George Hirose). The event will also include a short presentation of Ainu clothing, crafts and music courtesy of Naomi Mizoguchi.
The Ainu are the indigenous people of Japan. Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan, was previously called Ainumosir, or land of the Ainu. After many years of persecution and erasure dating back to the Meiji era, the Ainu population is down to less than 20,000 people in Hokkaido, and Ainu traditions and language are in danger of being lost. This film, through the stories of elders, documents dedicated grass roots efforts to revive and keep Ainu culture alive.
Born in Hyogo Prefecture in Japan and having moved to NYC in 2004, Emmy winner Naomi Mizoguchi has been working in the film and television industries for over 30 years. She has directed over 100 film projects and has edited over 400 projects. As a filmmaker her personal work has focused on cultural and humanistic storytelling. Please visit ainuhito.com for more information about the filmmaker and her journey.
Please RSVP to george.hirose@gmail.com by 6/28 with “RSVP Ainu Film” in the subject line.
Save the Date!
In recent years Naomi’s interest in telling the story of Ainu peoples has become a mission that has expanded to bringing worldwide awareness and recognition of Ainu culture and historical traditions. She has been working extensively with the town of Biratori in Hokkaido, where many Ainu still live, to bring performers, artisans, and culinary experts to New York for a series of exciting programs at Japan Society this July and August. Details to be announced soon at japansociety.org!
