22nd Feb 2026 - 17:30
TBC
Knowing Me, Knowing You: The True Self in Japanese Cinema
University student Miyata Hiiro (Minami Sara) describes her life as “crappy”. Between classes, housework, and part-time shifts at a convenience store, she struggles to cover both her tuition, and the household expenses left to her by her spendthrift single mother (Kawai Aoba). Hiiro feels trapped and cursed by her mother’s so-called “love”.
Everything changes after she meets Enaga Miyabi (Baba Fumika), a classmate rumored to be the daughter of a murderer and a victim of her mother’s abuse. Hiiro starts to recognise that Miyabi’s pain is like her own — but Miyabi’s dark and loveless childhood runs far deeper. Soon, they get to know Kimura Akua (Honda Miyu), another classmate suffering psychological strain from an overbearing mother and devoted to a cult religion. One day, Akua tries to introduce Hiiro and Miyabi to the world of calm and affection that the group claims to offer.
Directed by rising filmmaker Igashi Aya, this masterpiece explores issues of toxic parenting, abuse, and neglect — all framed within the complex bonds of love. At the same time, it highlights the strength and resilience of young women, free from the shackles of pity.
Screening as part of The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme 2026. Passes are available allowing entry to multiple films in this programme at a significant discount. Visit this page to purchase a pass.

Director:Igashi Aya
Year:2025
Languages:Japanese
Runtime:109
Origin:Japan
Location:QUAD
Subtitles:English
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