Program
Breaking Language
Medal Chase
a love letter to the light
Medal Chase
a love letter to the light
This special feature presents three films that offer multifaceted perspectives on Deaf culture, challenges, and self expression, all primarily from a Deaf point of view. From a social documentary merging Argentinian Sign Language and dance, to the journey of a Deaf swimmer striving for a medal, and an experimental film exploring the power of video and light, this program is alive with diverse narratives and expressions of Deaf culture.
Film | Focus Category
40 min
Screening Times
Sat, Nov 8, 11:30 AM
Sun, Nov 9, 5:00 PM
Sun, Nov 9, 5:00 PM
Location
Koenji Underpass Vacant Warehouse
(2-36 Asagaya Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166-0004 - 6-minute walk from JR Koenji Station / 9-minute walk from JR Asagaya Station)
(2-36 Asagaya Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166-0004 - 6-minute walk from JR Koenji Station / 9-minute walk from JR Asagaya Station)
Admission
Free
Free Admission
"Breaking Language"
Director: Sofía Castro
Cast: Maruvic Babino, Milagros Cardoso, Lucia Fauve, Rosa Trueno
2025 | Argentina | Documentary | 17 min | Asia Premiere
Languages: Argentinan Sign Language, Spanish
Subtitles: Japanese, English
Cast: Maruvic Babino, Milagros Cardoso, Lucia Fauve, Rosa Trueno
2025 | Argentina | Documentary | 17 min | Asia Premiere
Languages: Argentinan Sign Language, Spanish
Subtitles: Japanese, English
Merging Argentinian Sign Language, dance, and documentary, "Breaking Language" presents the perspectives of four Deaf artists as they examine ideas of identity and resistance within a cultural and linguistic minority, the need for poetic and artistic creation in one's own language, and the importance of feminism within the Argentinean Deaf community.
"Medal Chase"
Director: Kevin Shiva
Cast: Rudolfs Stupans
2025 | Sweden | 10 min | Documentary
Languages: Swedish Sign Language, Swedish
Subtitles: Japanese, English
Cast: Rudolfs Stupans
2025 | Sweden | 10 min | Documentary
Languages: Swedish Sign Language, Swedish
Subtitles: Japanese, English
Meet Rudolfs, one of the top deaf swimmers in the world. "Medal Chase" is a short film that dives into his ambitious journey, the emotional and physical hurdles and the profound personal sacrifices he had to make along the way. The film explores not just what Rudolfs has endured, but why he continues to push forward. What truly motivates someone to give everything for a dream?
"a love letter to the light"
Director: MJ Kiego
Cast: MJ Kiego
2024 | USA | Experimental | 9 min | Asia Premiere
Languages: American Sign Language, English
Subtitles: Japanese, English
Cast: MJ Kiego
2024 | USA | Experimental | 9 min | Asia Premiere
Languages: American Sign Language, English
Subtitles: Japanese, English
A filmmaker redefines the essence of cinema by questioning the role of sound, inviting audiences to rediscover the power of imagery and light in storytelling.
*Please note that screening information may be subject to change.
