Films

Official Oscar^© Selection—Japan | Best Actor, Kōji Yakusho – Cannes Film Festival

One of two films (in addition to Anselm) from legendary director
Wim Wenders (Wings of Desire, Buena Vista Social Club) in the 2023 VAFF lineup

Every morning, a Japanese toilet cleaner named Hirayama calmly drives to work in his well-stocked van. Hirayama approaches his job with great dedication, treating his janitorial duties with the same meticulousness. Outside work, he leads a leisurely life, adorning his home with plants and spending his afternoons strolling through his neighborhood’s local coffee shops and bookstores. Hirayama’s time is often occupied by listening to classic rock on vintage video cassettes or capturing photographs of the beautiful trees lining his street. But who is Hirayama, truly?

An unexpected visit from his niece and sister unveils a hidden past in this bittersweet tale that explores one man’s voyage of self-discovery, while celebrating the beauty in the quotidian.

“Another masterwork from Wenders, a recognition of life’s curiosities, the small details that make it all worthwhile” -Collider, Ross Bonaime