Kono Basho

Pitch

Ella, a 28-year-old Filipino anthropologist, travels to Rikuzentakata City for her estranged father Emman's funeral. She has to face the cultural and emotional complexities of his second family, including her Japanese half-sister, Reina. As they confront their intertwined histories, Ella and Reina find solace and connection, each questioning their perception of their father. Their journey of self-discovery interlaces with the rebuilding of Rikuzentakata after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. The revelation of their father's photographs propels them on a path of rediscovery, exploring their relationship and their individual identities.

"Enriched by 13 years of archived photographs and videos of Japan, the visual narrative of the film represents more than just background; it is an integral part of the exploration of identity and belonging. This story offers a new perspective on the Filipino diaspora, probing the complexity of family bonds and cultural identity." Jaime Pacena II