River
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Film description
By the traditional Fujia ryokan near Kyoto flows the river Kibune. The locals claim that its waters are inhabited by deities. One day, the inn staff experiences an unending collective déjà vu. The whole area surrounding Kibunegets stuck in a time loop, the past events are played out scene by scene, causing chaos someone needs to get under control. Even though for some the situation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the ryokan staff is faced with some serious trouble – the time loop knows no day off, the comfort of the clients must be assured perpetually.
Junta Yamaguchi is a rising star of Japanese independent cinema. The young filmmaker specializes in small-budget productions, characterized by a simple idea and the unique precision of the plot (remember "One Cut Of The Dead" shown at the 13th Five Flavours?). Yamaguchi impresses with the narrative pace and the production panache, closing most of the daringly enacted scenes in long master shots. "River" guarantees a refined film play and a heavy load of warmth. In the end, who wouldn't want to stop the passage of time in the beautiful scenery of Kibune?
The film was screened during the 17th Five Flavors, becoming one of the biggest attendance hits from last year's edition. “River” returns to compensate for the absence of three titles presented online at the 18th Five Flavors.
text:
Łukasz Mańkowski
Junta Yamaguchi
Born in 1987 in Osaka. Director and screenwriter, author of many short films, commercials, and documentaries. His first success was a low-budget film "Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes," in which he used a simple concept to introduce a new quality to independent entertainment cinema. He gained recognition in the international festival circuit. "River" is his second film, also made on a budget, in fairly modest conditions.
Filmografia:
2020 Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes
2021-2023 Aitsu ga kamite do shimote ga boku de (serial tv)
2022 Koi ni Mudaguchi (serial tv)
2023 Nad rzeką bez końca / River