Source: Peatix

Shibuya Gender Film Festival: Screenings in the morning session on the 14th
"The Color Purple"

■ Story
After losing her kind mother and being at the mercy of her tyrannical father, Celie married a woman chosen by her father and lived a life without freedom. Furthermore, she was separated from her beloved younger sister Nettie, who was her only emotional support. Meanwhile, Celie meets Sophia, a strong, independent woman, and Shug, who has achieved her dream of becoming a singer. Moved by their way of life, Celie begins to love herself and change her future little by little. Finally, Celie decides to leave home, and her destiny begins to move...

The Color Purple movie official website
Executive producers: Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders, Quincy Jones
Directed by: Blitz Bazauer
Original author: Alice Walker
141 min. / USA / English / 2023

■ Date and Time
12/14(Sat)
09:30 Doors open
10:00～12:25 Movie screening
12:25～12:35 Break
12:35～13:20 Talk session

■ Venue
Shibuya Inclusive City Center Iris
Shibuya Cultural Center Owada 8th floor, 23-21 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

■Talk Session
"Never Give Up - Our Sisterhood Story"

Ms. Asako Yuzuki
Born in Tokyo in 1981. After graduating from Rikkyo University, he won the All Yomimono Newcomer Award in 2008. In 2010, he made his debut with "The Girl at the End Station."
In 2015, she won the Yamamoto Shugoro Prize for "Nile Perch Girls' Gathering," and in 2016, she won the High School Student Naoki Prize for the same work. Her recent works include "All Not" and "Unfortunately Not for You." (Photo: © Furumoto Mayumi)

Aya Ai
Graduated from Keio University. While studying abroad, he visited Syria, which soon after his return was plunged into civil war. This prompted him to join United People Co., Ltd., a company that distributes and promotes films on social issues. He serves as the company's executive vice president. In 2018, he became independent and is involved in planning and managing film events and writing articles. He is an ambassador for the Dai-Maru-Yu SDGs Film Festival. His published works include "People Who Distribute the World" (Shunminsha).

■ Why I chose this movie
Steven Spielberg made the film "The Color Purple" in 1985, based on the novel by Alice Walker. The film was not well received by the media before its release, as it was a story filled with harsh issues such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, poverty, racism, and sexism. However, word of mouth gained popularity and the film became a long-running hit, screening for more than five months. In 2023, the film was remade into a musical version that expresses the spirit of the indomitable sisterhood with a bold interpretation and powerful, beautiful music.

The film is set in the early 1900s, the same era in which Michi Kawai, Yuri Isshiki, Umeko Tsuda and others, who are featured in "Rantan" written by our guest in this Talk Session, Asako Yuzuki, were active. Although the locations are different, America and Japan, women at the time had many restrictions on their rights compared to men, were subjected to violence and were deprived of their freedom. The history of women questioning this, standing up and fighting for their own dignity and future has expanded the options and possibilities for us living in the present day.

In the past, the media portrayed women as "women's enemy," and humorously depicted women fighting over various "differences." However, in recent years, the way women are portrayed has changed. This film is one example of this. The sight of women who seem to be in opposing situations helping each other, going beyond their respective roles to help and lift each other up is very empowering. Through this film, we will think about the future of sisterhood.

What is the Shibuya Gender Film Festival?
This is a tiny film festival that started in Shibuya Ward in 2022. Using a gender perspective, the festival uses films to consider social issues and human rights issues that occur in our everyday lives. After the film, there is time for dialogue. In the security that comes with being a small festival, each participant brings their own impressions and thoughts, and further deepens their understanding of the world of film. This is a film festival where you can meet friends who are aiming to take that first step towards turning other people's problems into your own. (The photo shows last year's event.)

Theme for 2024: "Engagement, dialogue, listening"
Violence is on the rise all around the world. There are more than 50 conflicts occurring around the world, with many people suddenly losing their lives, being injured, being forced to flee their homes, and losing loved ones. One in three people around the world feel anxious about the increase in violence and crime around them. In Japan, the number of consultations about domestic violence and child abuse continues to reach record highs every year, and the lack of sufficient support reaching those who need it is becoming a serious problem.

The Japanese word "chokusu" (listen) is pronounced "yurusu" (to forgive). This is because sincerely listening to others means accepting them, or in other words, "forgiving." In a society that is becoming more diverse and complex, there is a tendency to exclude things that are difficult to understand, people who are incompatible, and people who are different, and to try to solve problems through violence. However, in order to create a society where everyone can live the life that is true to themselves, violence is never acceptable. With five films, we will think about relationships that do not give rise to violence, dialogue that can replace violence, and listening.

■ Handling of personal information
1. Personal information will be appropriately acquired, used, and provided only to the extent necessary for the business activities of this event. This event has the principle of not handling personal information beyond the scope necessary to achieve the purpose of use without the prior consent of the individual, and will take measures to ensure this.
2. We will comply with laws, regulations, national guidelines and other standards regarding the protection of personal information.
3. We will take reasonable measures to prevent the leakage, loss, or damage of personal information in our possession, and will take any necessary corrective measures.
4. We will set up a consultation desk to handle complaints and inquiries regarding the handling of personal information and efforts to protect personal information.
5. We will continually review and improve our efforts to comply with the Personal Information Protection Act.
6. Contact Us

For inquiries regarding this event, please contact the following:
Shibuya Inclusive City Center <Iris>
Shibuya Cultural Center Owada 8F, 23-21 Sakuragaokacho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
☎03-3464-3395

Organizer: Shibuya Ward

Venue