Unveiling Identity: A Cinematic Journey Through Okinawan Heritage
The Genesis of 'Okinawa Saudade': A Decade-Long Cultural Exploration
The new documentary, "Okinawa Saudade," which highlights the intricate bond between individuals and their ancestral lands, premiered at the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival as part of its Nippon Cinema Now selection. The film is the culmination of director Matsubayashi Yoju's immersive experience with a community of Okinawan immigrants in Brazil, a journey that began approximately ten years ago.
Focus on the New Generation: Bridging Cultures Through Dance
This cinematic work centers on the contemporary generation of Okinawan immigrant families. It introduces Yumi, a skilled practitioner of Ryukyu Buyo, Okinawa's traditional classical dance, and Everton, who instructs Eisa, the island's vibrant drum-centric festival dance, in Brazil. The narrative follows these two individuals as they embark on a cultural exchange trip to Okinawa, seeking to deepen their understanding of the island's rich history and diverse cultural tapestry.
From Fukushima to Brazil: The Unexpected Discovery of a Community's Plight
Matsubayashi recounts that his initial inspiration struck during a year-long stay in Brazil in 2016. While a previous project concerning Fukushima faced difficulties, he stumbled upon the story of the forced relocation of Japanese Brazilians in Santos during wartime. A significant portion, around 60%, of those displaced were from Okinawa.
"Okinawa/Santos" and the Unveiling of the Urizunkai Community
This historical event became the central theme of Matsubayashi's 2020 documentary, "Okinawa/Santos." Following its creation, he became deeply involved with the Urizunkai, the Okinawan community in Brazil. His interactions revealed their program of sending Okinawan Brazilians to Okinawa for educational and training opportunities, marking the true inception of his new project.
Cultural Archives and the Quest for Identity
The Bunkyo, a cultural center situated in São Paulo's Liberdade district, a hub for Japanese immigrants, served as an invaluable resource. Its extensive library, housing numerous immigrant documents in Portuguese and Japanese, provided Matsubayashi with rich material for his research. He was particularly struck by the sheer volume of Okinawan records, suggesting a profound desire within the community to preserve their history.
From Outsider to Insider: Embraced by the Okinawan-Brazilian Community
Matsubayashi noted that during the production of his 2020 film, he initially felt like an outsider, not being of Okinawan descent. However, through numerous interviews, he gradually became an integral part of the community. He recalls the Okinawan saying, "Ichariba choodee," meaning "you are like brother and sister," a testament to how the community embraced him. He believes that without the foundation laid by "Okinawa/Santos," "Okinawa Saudade" would not have been possible, highlighting the community's instrumental volunteer support in his filmmaking process.
A Timely Apology and the Search for Roots Through Dance
By 2024, the Brazilian government was poised to issue an official apology in July to the victims of forced relocation. Coinciding with this, Okinawan Brazilians were expected to receive scholarships for an exchange program in September. This confluence of events provided a timely backdrop for Matsubayashi's film, which is structured around the profound search for one's origins, expressed vividly through Okinawan dance. He distinguishes between Okinawa's traditional dance forms and the more contemporary "Creative Eisa" that originated in Brazil, noting how the latter, despite its recent emergence, has developed its own form of tradition.
A Personal Perspective: Director and Subjects on a Shared Quest
Matsubayashi describes "Okinawa Saudade" as a film told from a first-person perspective, intertwining his own journey of self-discovery with those of Yumi and Everton. He suggests that the film delves into the question of "Who am I?" from three distinct viewpoints, creating an intimate narrative that explores cultural nuances.
The Evolution of Filmmaking: Emotion Versus Testimonials
While his previous films occasionally featured his voice or brief appearances, "Okinawa Saudade" marks a deeper personal involvement, resonating with the emotional depth inherent in dance. He contrasts this with "Okinawa/Santos," which was more focused on compiling testimonials, indicating a shift towards a more subjective and emotionally driven style of storytelling.
Challenges in Documentary Funding: A Plea for Support
Matsubayashi reveals the financial challenges facing Japanese documentary filmmakers. He explains his previous model of using funds from NHK television programs to finance his next film. However, due to a weaker currency and budget constraints at NHK, this cycle has been disrupted. He acknowledges the crucial role of a grant from the Okinawa Prefecture in enabling the post-production of "Okinawa Saudade," underscoring the difficult circumstances currently faced by documentary cinema in Japan.
