The award-winning work is the documentary film “I’m Back Home ‘Tsunakan'” by Director Kenichi Kazama.
In the beautiful cove of Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture, stands the “Karakuwa Goten Tsunakan“, located on a hill overlooking the coast. Kazutaka Kanno and his wife, Ichiyo, who runs an oyster farming business, repaired their home after it was flooded by the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March 2011. They opened it as a base for student volunteers, accepting a total of 500 people over six months. The place, called “Tsunakan” by the young volunteers, was transformed into an inn in 2013 to ensure that young people could always return. They started working on community-building projects, such as cultivating forests that enrich the sea, running an early morning diner for fishermen, and setting up support systems for new residents.
One day, a maritime accident occurs, causing Kazutaka’s death. Hearing that Ichiyo has become reclusive after the family quit the farming business, the former volunteer youth gather at “Tsunakan” from all over the country. After a period of deep sadness and depression, with the support of the former volunteers, Ichiyo reopens the inn. Over time, the young migrants receive new lives and take on roles that support the community. On March 11, 2021, amid the crisis of maintaining the inn due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the 10th anniversary of the earthquake, Ichiyo is about to take a significant step forward.
The charm of this work lies in the bonds between people. Various stories have emerged from the bonds formed as people rose from that tragic disaster. Despite the overwhelming shock that made it hard to stand, the sight of people rising again is indeed a story of resurrection. Furthermore, even as Ichiyo is struck by another tragedy that seems insurmountable, a new resurrection story is born through the bond between Ichiyo and the former volunteer youth.
Fr. Masahide Haresaku, SIGNIS Japan advisory priest, commented, “‘I’m Back Home ‘Tsunakan” is a film about ‘Resurrection.’ At first glance, it might seem to depict the despair of this world, with the sudden tragedy of a tsunami and the unjust death of loved ones, as well as the virus outbreak destroying lives. The real cross of reality is extremely harsh. However, upon closer look, you can see a hope gently enveloping despair. Friends helping each other with smiles, dreaming of resurrection. Generally, all footage in this world reflects the past, but this film, surprisingly, reflects the future. Documentaries are not created simply by pointing the camera at the subject. A documentary is born when it captures moments where something sacred, beyond human will and chance, emerges from the depths of the subject. “I’m Back Home ‘Tsunakan” is a first-class documentary film. It is an exhilarating movie that shows the future of resurrection to those still facing trials. It truly deserves the Japan Catholic Film Award, and I give it the highest praise.”
I visited many parishes for six consecutive weeks to announce the Japan Catholic Film Award and to promote ticket sales. As it was the first award ceremony and screening in four years, I received many positive responses, such as “You always choose great films. I will definitely attend,” and “I’m looking forward to it.”
About 300 people attended the Award Ceremony held on Saturday, 6th July, in Tokyo. First, there was the ceremony, followed by the screening and a dialogue between director Kenichi Kazama and Fr. Masahide Haresaku. During the subsequent Q&A session with the audience, there were many active questions for Director Kazama.