EXCLUSIVE: MTV Documentary Films has set an October 6 theatrical release date for A Song Film By Kishi Bashi: “Omoiyari,” a film built around a journey undertaken by composer-musician Kaoru Ishibashi to come to terms with his Japanese American identity.
“Omoiyari is a genre breaking, artistic exploration that fuses history, music, and the complexities of the human condition,” according to a release from MTV Documentary Films. The documentary directed by Justin Taylor Smith and Ishibashi (who goes professionally by the name Kishi Bashi) premiered to acclaim at SXSW in March. We have your first look at the film in the trailer above.
In the film, Ishibashi “embarks on a personal quest by creating his music in locations relevant to the Japanese American Incarceration during WWII.”
Kishi Bashi performs at “A Party For The Planet” in Austin, Texas on March 12, 2023.
Lorne Thomson/Redferns
Ishibashi describes the film as “the culmination of a six-year artistic project that was an experimental blend of music, history, and social justice documentary filmmaking. Calling it a ‘Song Film,’ we began by documenting a musical and historical research journey. But, in time this unfolded into a transformative dive into my own personal minority identity and painting a broad survey of the Japanese American experience, from immigration to incarceration, generational struggles with assimilation, and the compassion and healing that we hope will resonate with anybody who has been otherized.“
He added, “‘Omoiyari’ is a Japanese word about having that empathy and compassion for another person that is necessary for diversity and inclusivity. We are so proud to be able to contribute to the dynamic conversations that are taking place in this country right now. And partnering with MTV Documentary Films is a perfect match for us and the film to reach people.”
In a statement, Smith noted, “We wanted an audience to learn the story of Japanese American incarceration through a new lens, through [Ishibashi’s] musical journey and from the people whose lives were uprooted and changed forever. The goal was to connect viewers emotionally to the story through strong visuals and music, to cultivate empathy, and to go beyond the cliff-note version of this atrocity that they may have learned in grade school history books.”
(L-R) Producer J.J. Gerber, directors Karou Ishibashi aka “Kishi Bashi” and Justin Taylor Smith, and director of photography Max Ritter at SXSW.
Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for SXSW
Smith continued, “Kaoru’s music is incredibly emotional. When we first started production, we started naturally by shooting scenes at what’s left of the 10 [internment] camps. There’s not much left of them today but dust, dirt, sagebrush and in some cases just a small memorial. Filming K improvise new songs at these locations, seeing him connect with that past trauma to create music on the spot was powerful. I knew in those early moments that those scenes would become the backbone of the film.”
Executive producer Sheila Nevins observed, “Kishi Bashi created an unusual music documentary born from his awareness of the Japanese incarceration camps of 1942. His music helps him find his place as a Japanese American. The music talks about sorrow, redemption, and self-discovery.”
A Song Film By Kishi Bashi: “Omoiyari,” will debut in cinemas in New York and Los Angeles on October 6, with performances by Kishi Bashi planned for select screenings. A national roll out of the film will continue through the fall. “In addition,” according to a release, “planned screenings/performance tours with Kishi Bashi will also be starting at the end of October along with the release of the film’s soundtrack.”
Before the documentary’s theatrical release, A Song Film By Kishi Bashi: “Omoiyari,” will screen at the Woodstock Film Festival in New York on September 30.
A Song Film By Kishi Bashi: “Omoiyari,” is directed by Justin Taylor Smith and Kaoru Ishibashi. The film is produced by J.J. Gerber and Jim Angelo; executive producers include Ryan Suffern, Jenny Mills, and MTV Documentary Films EP Sheila Nevins. Music and score are provided by Kishi Bashi; the director of photography is Max Ritter.
Watch the trailer above.
