World Premiere | In Competition
Guests: KIMURA Taichi, director; KATAYAMA Yuki, actress; MEGUMI, actress and producer
Japan, 2026, 95’, Japanese
Directed by: Kimura Taichi
Screenplay: Kuniyoshi Saki, Gaijin Shota
Cinematography (color): Uehara Seiya, Kawakami Tomoyuki, Mitsuoka Hyogo, Sato Ryosuke
Editing: Miyake Aika
Music: Thomas Yardley
Producer: Megumi
Cast: Katayama Yuki, Watanabe Yuna, Ogata Issey, Lily Franky, You, Ijiki Tsuyoshi, Terada Kaede, Suna Shuri, Hashimoto Atsushi, Megumi, Takeshita Keiko, Kishimoto Kayoko
Date of First Release in Territory: June 5th, 2026
Fujiko is determined, combative and indomitable: the kind of woman who scares men, especially in 1970s Japan. She’s the protagonist of this tragicomedy about her life, beginning with the dark and stormy night she gives birth to her daughter Mari. A tyrannical mother-in-law, a stormy divorce and several low-paying jobs that culminate in her becoming an insurance saleswoman stand in her way. Tough and tender, fierce and fragile, resilient and fearless - Fujiko can do it!
Kimura Taichi
Kimura Taichi (b. 1987) was born in Tokyo but moved to London to study filmmaking and has since split his time between the two cities. He first gained prominence as a director of music videos for such artists as The Chemical Brothers, Chase & Status, King Gnu, and One Ok Rock. His short
Lost Youth (2016) screened at over 15 festivals worldwide. In 2023, he released his first feature film,
Afterglows, which had its international premiere at the Japannual Film Festival in Vienna.
Selected filmography
2023 – Afterglow
2026 – Fujiko