by FilmInk Staff
The 2nd Cinema at Sea – Okinawa Pan-Pacific International Film Festival will take place from February 22 to March 2 2025, across multiple locations in Okinawa including Tenbusu Naha – Tenbusu Hall, Sakurazaka Theatre and Okinawa Prefectural Museum & Art Museum. All tickets go on sale on 23 Jan 2025.
With an expanded 9-day program, this year’s festival promises a greater celebration of cinema, featuring a wide range of events, including a pitching forum and panel discussions designed to connect local filmmakers with international industry professionals.
Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the 2025 festival will showcase a significantly expanded lineup of programs, introducing exciting new sections that underscore its mission to support regional cinema and the local film industry, including Director in Focus, Pacific Film Showcase, Special Screenings, the Mabui Special Award, and, most notably, Okinawa Panorama, which will showcase a diverse selection of both classic and contemporary films made or connected with Okinawa including overseas diaspora. For the first time, the festival will introduce a short film category to the Pacific Film Competition, highlighting outstanding feature and short films from across the Pacific region.
Another key highlight is the launch of Islands in Focus, a new section dedicated to showcase the work of one specific Pacific island region. This program provides a global platform for these creators while raising international awareness of their unique perspectives and stories.
Opening Film — Ocean Elergy: The Tragedies of Mudan and Ryukyu
Opening Film is the World Premiere of the documentary Ocean Elegy: The Tragedies of Mudan and Ryukyu, using archival materials, interviews and reenactments, to uncovers the 1870s Mudan Incident. Directed by Taiwanese filmmaker Sean Hu (胡皓翔), the project took seven years to complete.
In 1871, a ship traveling from Miyako Island to Shuri to deliver annual tribute was caught in a storm and drifted to southern Taiwan. Onboard were 69 Ryukyuan passengers who reached an area inhabited by the Paiwan people. However, some Ryukyuans were killed in a tragic incident that later became known as the Mudan Incident. This event was used as a pretext for Japan’s invasion of Taiwan (the 1874 Taiwan Expedition) and also influenced Japan’s annexation of Ryukyu, significantly shaping the geopolitical landscape of East Asia.
Closing Film — Tinā
Tinā is a deeply moving and uplifting story of resilience, healing, and transformation. Mareta, a grieving mother devastated by the loss of her daughter in the Christchurch earthquake, reluctantly takes on a position as a substitute music teacher at an elite private school. Despite her initial hesitation, Mareta forges meaningful connections with her students, empowering them through the unifying power of music and the rich traditions of her Samoan culture. Together, they navigate challenges, inspiring one another and rekindling Mareta’s sense of purpose, hope, and identity.
Directed by award-winning writer/director Miki Magasiva (We Are Still Here, 2022), Tinā had its successful world premiere at the Hawaii International Film Festival and is now set to make its Asia premiere in Okinawa. This feature marks Magasiva’s directorial debut and has been warmly received at festivals worldwide, including Palm Springs (USA) and Perth (Australia). With Samoan actor Anapela Polata’ivao (One Thousand Ropes, 2017; The Breaker Upperers, 2018) delivers a powerful performance as Mareta Percival, bringing depth and authenticity to the role.
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Director in Focus — Mike Jonathan
This year, the festival shines a spotlight on Māori director and cinematographer Mike Jonathan. Born and raised in Taumarunui, Mike has contributed to over 50 projects spanning more than 30 years of his career, including feature films, documentaries, short films, TV shows, web series, and music videos.
In 2006, Mike founded Haka Boy Films, a Māori-led company dedicated to Māori storytelling and exploring how each kaupapa (topic/theme) impacts his people. This passion drives Mike and his team to infuse a unique perspective into every project they undertake. In addition to leading Haka Boy Films, Mike is a member of Rotorua’s Steambox Film Collective, which launched the Rotorua Indigenous Film Festival in 2018.
The festival will present three Japan premieres of Mike’s works: the feature film Ka Whawhai TonuL Struggle without End (2024) and two documentaries, Road to The Globe (2013) and Heroes for Education (2012).
Ka Whawhai Tonu: Struggle without End (2024)
Set against the backdrop of the climactic 1864 battle of the New Zealand Land Wars in the Waikato region, Ka Whawhai Tonu follows the unlikely bond between a half-caste boy-soldier and a Māori girl-prophet. Thrust into chaos, the two form a courageous partnership, striving to protect one another while leading a group of tamariki to safety. Amid the impossible odds of the battle, their journey becomes a testament to resilience, friendship, and the fight for survival in a struggle that would shape the course of Aotearoa New Zealand’s history.
Road to The Globe (2013)
Winner of the Special Jury Prize at the FIFO Film Festival and a finalist at the DOC Edge Film Festival in 2013, Road to The Globe follows Paratene’s Ngākau Toa theatre company over 12 weeks as they prepare for their journey to present an exquisite Te Reo Māoriadaptation of William Shakespeare’s Troilus and Cressida at the legendary Globe Theatre in London. The Globe to Globe festival featured 37 plays from 37 countries performed in 37 languages.
Heroes for Education (2012)
The Webster Family serves as role models in their community, living by the values and traditions passed down by their Tupuna (Ancestors). This short documentary offers a heartfelt glimpse into their inspiring lives as they share knowledge and love with everyone they teach.
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Pacific Film Competition Section
River Returns (2024) | directed by Masakazu Kaneko | Japan
In his third feature, director Kaneko seamlessly blends fantasy, cultural tradition, and the power of faith, crafting a stirring drama that bridges the spiritual realm and the present world. Set in 1958 in a riverside village constantly threatened by typhoons, a boy named Yucha learns from his grandmother that, to halt the destructive storms, he must embark on a transformative journey deep into the mountains and return something from the past to calm the spirit.
Boy in the Pool (2023) | directed by Ryu Yeon-su | South Korea
Director Ryu’s debut feature compellingly explores the fragility of loneliness and desire in childhood. In a tranquil seaside town, Seok-young nearly drowns but is saved by Woo-Ju (Lee Min Jae), a mysterious boy whose secret swimming talent she soon uncovers. Determined and highly competitive, Seok-young finds herself torn between admiration, envy, and a budding affection for him.
From Island to Island (2024) | Directed by Lau Kek-huat | Taiwan
Winner of Best Documentary at the 2024 Taipei Golden Horse Awards, as well as Best Film of the Year and Best Documentary at the 2024 Taipei Film Awards. Through cross-generational memories and archival materials—oral histories, family letters, diaries, and footage—this documentary illuminates how a historic tragedy profoundly affected everyday life in Taiwan during World War II, when the island was under Japanese colonial rule.
Tale of the Land (2024) | directed by Loeloe Hendra Komara | Indonesia, Philippines, Taiwan, Qatar
Set in Borneo, Indonesia, Tale of the Land follows May, a Dayak girl who lost her parents in a violent conflict over her ancestral lands. Rescued by her grandfather, Tuha, she now lives in a makeshift floating house, far from shore. Winner of the 2024 Busan International Film Festival’s FIPRESCI Award, director Komara’s striking debut delves into the aftermath of this land dispute and its deep emotional toll. Starring acclaimed Indonesian actors Shenina Cinnamon, Arswendy Bening Swara, and Angga Yunanda.
Next Stop, Somewhere (2024) | directed by James Lee | Malaysia, Taiwan
In a parallel world, two souls from different continents each believe that relocating abroad will grant them the freedom they crave. One arrives in Taipei, only to find himself confined to a hotel room under quarantine during a pandemic; the other enters a marriage for security, never truly knowing love until a forbidden affair forces her to confront the choices she’s made. As doubts and hardships surface, both must ask themselves: how far are they willing to go in pursuit of liberation?
Chaperone (2024) | directed by Zoe Eisenberg | United States
29-year-old Misha is a free-spirited soul who longs for a life without stress or responsibility. Unwilling to conform to the adulthood everyone expects of her, she gradually distances herself from friends and family. One day, she meets a 18-year-old athlete who mistakes her for a fellow student. Their connection sparks so quickly that Misha fails to see the dangers waiting ahead. Winner of the Grand Jury Award for Breakouts at the 2024 Slamdance International Film Festival.
Molokai Bound (2024) | directed by Alika Tengan (Kanaka Maoli) | USA
Kainoa, a young man unprepared for fatherhood, is released on parole with a singular purpose: to rebuild the relationships with his son and wife and make up for the years lost during his absence. Expanding on the success of the short film of the same name, director Alika Tengan (Kanaka Maoli) transforms this deeply personal story into a poignant exploration of self-identity, family bonds, and the far-reaching effects of capitalism. Featuring the breakout talent of Holden Mandrial-Santos, his deeply moving performance lingers long after the credits roll.
We Were Dangerous (2024) | directed by Josephine Stewart-Te Whiu | New Zealand and USA
Winner of Special Jury Award for Filmmaking (Narrative Feature) at 2024 SXSW Film Festival and Pasifika Award for Best Feature Film at 2024 Hawaii International Film Festival, the film examines themes of resilience, friendship, and New Zealand’s dark history of eugenics, showcasing Stewart-Te Whiu’s masterful storytelling and nuanced performances from its young cast. Set in 1954 New Zealand, Māori teens Nellie (Erana James, The Wilds) and Daisy (Manaia Hall) attempt to escape a harsh institution for delinquent girls, only to be caught and transferred to an isolated facility on a remote island.
7 Beats Per Minute | directed by Yuqi Kang | Canada
Jessea Lu, a record-breaking freediver, has pushed the boundaries of human endurance, descending into the ocean’s depths from the Bahamas to Antarctica. Director Yuqi Kang embarks on a journey to capture Lu’s extraordinary story, delving into the mental fortitude and inner strength required to dive 300 feet below the surface. Selected for the 2024 SXSW Film Festival and Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival, this documentary is a deeply personal and immersive exploration of courage, vulnerability, and the relentless pursuit of greatness in the face of human limitations.
Through Rocks and Clouds | directed by Franco García Becerra | Peru and Chile
Eight-year-old Feliciano lives in a remote Andean village, herding alpacas with his trusted companions: Ronaldo, a playful young alpaca, and Rambo, a loyal old dog. While his days are filled with dreams of Peru’s World Cup, a looming threat casts a shadow over his quiet world. Awarded the Special Mention in the Generation KPlus section at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival, Feliciano’s story is a powerful exploration of innocence and resilience in the face of environmental injustice.
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Pacific Short Film Competition Section
This year, the festival received over 100 submissions for the short film competition from 20 different countries. With more than 50% of entries coming from the pacific region, the festival is thrilled to serve as a platform for the region to showcase its unique cinematic works and storytelling. A total of 10 short films from 9 countries have been selected as finalists for this year’s Pacific Short Film Competition.
- 1878, directed by Aurélia Raoull | New Caledonia, France
- Whispers of Exiles, directed by Devina Sofiyanti | Indonesia
- The Queenʻs Flowers, directed by Ciara Leinaala Lacy | USA
- Reconstruction of New Life, directed by Sheng Chun Huang | Taiwan
- The Tunnel, directed by Mitsuhiro Honda | Japan
- 21 Days, directed by Yong Mun Chee | Singapore
- Summer Wedding, directed by Ting Li Tsai | USA
- Mamu, directed by Aephie Chen | UK, Taiwan
- Cone, directed by Yu Jiin | South Korea
- Daly City, directed by Nick Hartanto | USA
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Pacific Film Showcase
Stranded Pearl (2024) | directed by Ken Khan and Prashanth Gunasekaran | New Zealand and Cook Islands
Julia, a wealthy entrepreneur on a business trip with her newlywed husband, finds herself stranded on a remote, uncharted island after a storm. Her only companion is Sid, a quiet and enigmatic man with a hidden past, who may be a fugitive on the run. Stranded Pearl is a romantic, action-packed adventure set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Cook Islands, offering a deeply resonant narrative that celebrates the power of empathy, perseverance, and self-discovery.
Rivulet of Universe (2024) | directed by Possathorn Watcharapanit | Thailand
Jit, a Cambodian migrant worker, discovers an extraordinary ability to perceive the interwoven layers of past, present, and future. Determined to understand his unique gift, he travels to Phimai, Thailand—a town steeped in legend and historical significance. There, he meets Pim and Tat, a young couple navigating a strained relationship that uncannily mirrors the love triangle of an ancient myth. As their lives intertwine, the boundaries between myth and reality blur, leading them on a shared journey that bridges history and destiny. An Official Selection at the 2024 International Film Festival Rotterdam and the Bangkok International Film Festival, Rivulet of Universepresents a richly textured portrait of Thailand’s religio-historical essence.
Pacific Mother (2023) | directed by Katherine McRae | Japan, New Zealand
Japanese actress and freediver Sachiko Fukumoto and her partner, world champion freediver William Trubridge, embark on a transformative journey across the Pacific—traveling from Japan to Hawai’i, Tahiti, the Cook Islands, and Aotearoa New Zealand—to uncover the profound connections between traditional birthing practices, community support, and environmental care. Earned multiple awards at the 2023 Doc Edge Festival, including Best New Zealand Feature, Best Director, Best Editing, and Best Cinematography.
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Special Screening
YUUHO：No Border (2024) | directed by Asano Yumiko | Japan
Born in 1956 with osteogenesis imperfecta, Yuuho faced a life filled with physical challenges and societal prejudice.However, everything changed at 19 when she joined a disability rights movement. Now, Yuuho proudly declares, “My body is beautiful.” This documentary delves into the remarkable journey of a punk-spirited woman who has dedicated her life to disability activism, fighting social injustices, and breaking barriers in gender equality.
Rules of LIving (2024) | directed by Greg Dale | Japan
A foreign traveler, Vincent (Greg Dale), arrives in Tokyo eager to immerse himself in the city’s vibrant culture, only to find that his inability to speak Japanese creates unforeseen challenges. Stranded and out of options, he turns to Mikuko (Kaho Minami) for help. To her surprise, Mikuko discovers that her daughter, Chieko, orchestrated this arrangement without her knowledge. As they navigate their differences and the initial awkwardness, the unlikely roommates begin to form a bond. Over time, Mikuko finds herself opening up to Vincent, uncovering new perspectives on life and rediscovering her own sense of purpose.
Paradise of Solitude (2023) | directed by Ikki Katashima | Japan
Renowned novelist Yo Tsushima (Sho Aoyagi) is struggling with a severe creative slump as the deadline for his next serialized work looms. One day, he unexpectedly comes across a letter bearing the words, “Please find my love,” written by a young woman named Ayame Susa (Akiho Otsubo). This chance encounter sets the stage for two unlikely lives to intertwine. Set against the stunning backdrop of Kurashiki City and the Okayama region, this poignant human drama explores the profound loneliness and emotional struggles of its characters, following their journey to discover connection and meaning in unexpected ways.
Gensan Punch (2021) | directed by Brillante Mendoza | Philippines, Japan
Nao Tsuyama, a man with a prosthetic leg resulting from a childhood accident, dreams of becoming a professional boxer. However, his disability leads to rejection by the Japanese Boxing Association. Undeterred, Nao embarks on a journey to the Philippines to pursue an international boxing license, stepping into a world of unfamiliar language, culture, and challenges. Based on the true story of Naozumi Tsuchiyama, Gensan Punch is a moving tribute to resilience and the power of perseverance. With its visceral intensity, electrifying fight sequences, and heartfelt exploration of personal growth, this inspiring drama will captivate fans of boxing and human triumph.
BOuQuET (2024), direcdted by Sahel Rosa | Japan
Is it a movie, or is it something else entirely? Blurring the lines between documentary, non-fiction, and drama, this experimental film delves into the memories of eight boys and girls who step in front of the camera, not as actors, but as themselves. Through their own words and performances, they reenact moments they cannot forget—memories shaped by fear, longing, and fleeting glimpses of hope.
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Okinawa Panorama
Feature Films
Englightment (2025), directed by Ryuichi Ishikawa | Japan
After divorcing his wife and resigning from his job, Satoshi retreats to his childhood home in Koza, leaving behind his wife and only son. His old room, once a sanctuary of ambition during his youth, is now a cluttered repository of the pop culture that defined his adolescence.
Step Out (2024), directed by Yukihiko Tsutsumi | Japan
Teruya, a young boy who discovers his passion for dance. Living with his dedicated single mother, Akane (Yukie Nakama), and his introverted younger sister, Mai, Teruya finds himself drawn to dance after meeting Lisa (Reiri Inami), a skilled dancer at a local school. As Teruya hones his skills and partners with Lisa, his growing talent opens the door to both exciting opportunities and unexpected challenges. Filmed entirely on location in Okinawa, the movie beautifully showcases the island’s breathtaking landscapes and unique cultural heritage.
Okinawa Blue Note (2024), directed by Sungkyu Cho | South Korea
Best-selling romance author Kim Jung-min (Kim Dong-wan) travels to Okinawa, seeking inspiration and a much-needed break. However, his trip is riddled with unexpected complications, including a surprising coincidence: another traveller with the exact same name (Hwang Seung-eon). Despite their contrasting personalities—he, meticulous and reserved, and she, optimistic and full of life—the two find themselves drawn together on a journey neither planned.
Retrospective
The Love in Okinawa (1968), directed by Lin Fu-Ti | Taiwan
The Lin family, a Taiwanese shipping dynasty in Okinawa, is thrown into turmoil when the second son, Hung-hai, defies his father’s wishes by rejecting an arranged marriage with TV star Yoshiko and falling in love with Hsiu-ling, the daughter of their rival. As generational animosities and cruel twists of fate unravel, Hung-hai spirals into bitterness and alcoholism. Can these star-crossed lovers break free from the bonds of family conflict and rewrite their destinies?
Sunset Over the Horizon (1968), directed by Lin Fu-Ti | Taiwan
As the sun sets over an Okinawan beach, penniless middle-aged Taiwanese priest Ching-wen meet Shizuko, a young Japanese woman gazing at the ocean. Drawn by her yearning for a love built on romance rather than convenience, Shizuko defies her parents’ wishes to marry into wealth and boldly pursues a relationship with Ching-wen.
Shorts
- The Tale of Mari (2024), directed by Anya Vaughn | USA
- Yonsei (2024), directed by Harumi Higa Lopéz | Peru
- In Obá’s Sewing Needles: Fragments And The Work Of Time (2024), directed by Naomi Asato | Brazil
- The Dawn (2024), directed by Nakamura Ryugo | Japan
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Islands in Focus
The festival will proudly showcase the works of five talented filmmakers from New Caledonia, providing a window into its rich history, the most recent independence referendum, the stories of Kanak people (Indigenous people), and the ongoing impact of colonization. This is a valuable opportunity to shine a spotlight on New Caledonia and present a perspective that is often more personal and deeper than what is portrayed in the news, allowing audiences to see the island as it truly is.
“New Caledonia has recently become the focus of international news due to its independence referendum to separate from France. The five films we’ve selected offer viewers a deeper understanding of the unique culture and political background of this South Pacific island,” said Programmer Wonder Wang.
Referendumbs (2021), directed by Terence Chevrin
Following an unsuccessful referendum period, New Caledonia decides to send two Caledonians to the International Space Station as standard bearer for living together. Despite the calibrated preparation and a well-oiled ceremony, the pressure of the challenge is such that old resentments reappear at the worst possible time…
Referendum 2020: What Comes Next? (2021), directed by Florence Arthuys
This film offers a compelling visual narrative of a pivotal chapter in New Caledonia’s institutional history. It follows the daily lives of two loyalists, Sonia Backès and Philippe Gomès, and two independence advocates, Rock Wamytan and Charles Washetine, capturing their experiences before, during, and after the vote, in which the “no” side narrowly emerged victorious.
Eden Tribal (2020), directed by Martin Jayet and Lefort Mathilde
Filmed during the 2018 New Caledonia referendum, this documentary captures the daily struggles of the Vieux-Touho clans and a Kanak woman’s fight to preserve her culture and secure the future of her tribe. As she challenges traditional norms, the question arises: is the community ready to accept a woman as the leader of their tribe?
Detective Pierrot (2023), directed by Maï Le Flochmoën
A short film about Pierrot Lenquette, a private detective who conducts his investigations based on news stories he reads in Les Nouvelles.
Bingo (2019), directed by Fabien Laubry
From island and mainland Bingo to casino Bingo, this documentary takes viewers on a captivating journey through the beloved game across New Caledonia. Through a series of portraits, personal testimonies, and observations, Bingo thoughtfully examines the game’s various dimensions, shedding light on its cultural significance, social impact, and role in shaping community dynamics.
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Mabui Special Award
Asia is One (1973), NDU | Japan
A landmark documentary by the Nihon Documentarist Union (NDU), Asia is One delves into the intertwined histories of Okinawa and Taiwan, exposing the enduring scars left by Japanese imperialism. From the landscapes of Okinawa’s islands to the Atayal villages of Taiwan, the film provides a powerful exploration of the region’s turbulent past and its ongoing pursuit of reconciliation and identity.
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VR Section
The Starry Sand Beach (2021) | France, Taiwan
This immersive journey unfolds in three parts: the retelling of the legend, a descent into an underwater forest, and an exploration of Earth’s ancient geological memory, tracing the Foraminifera’s origins 400 million years ago. Along the way, viewers witness the growing threats to marine microorganisms, symbolized by a sea serpent representing ocean acidification.
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