Wajima Kotaro
Kaga Mariko, Tsukaji Muga, Watanabe Ikkei
77 mins
2021
Japan
PG
Japanese
Yes
Digital
Part of the The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2022 Season
Reaching middle-age, Tadao (Tsukaji Muga) has always lived at home with his fortune-teller single mother, Tamako (Kaga Mariko), owing to his autism. Attending local community workshops and pursuing his love of horses is the only life he knows. Tamako, who raised Tadao almost single-handedly, is now worried about what his future holds after her death and decides to send Tadao to a group home for disabled residents so he can live independently. However, his transition into a new life is not as smooth as she had hoped.
With disability rarely represented in mainstream media, director Wajima Kotaro captures with great sensitivity and notes of humour, the strength and vitality of a mother and her disabled son, while not shying away from the problems, prejudices, and conflicts faced by disadvantaged people and their families in Japan.
This screening includes a pre-recorded introduction from director Wajima Kotaro.
READ: The Lone Ume Tree Programme Notes
BONUS CONTENT: Capturing Living with Disabilities and Care in Society
Wed 23 Mar, 12.30pm (GMT) Online Event
The Japan Foundation Touring Programme 2022 are hosting an online event in conversation with The Lone Ume Tree's director Wajima Kotaro and journalist James Moore, exploring the motivation behind the film and what Wajima Kotaro wanted to achieve in a film that poses urgent and significant questions that current Japanese families with disabled members face. This event is free to attend, but places are limited and registration is essential. To reserve a space, book your ticket to the free talk!
Have a look at what's on to book a screening or event.
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