Haru lost her entire family in the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, and lives with Hiroko in Hiroshima, hardly talking about what happened. 8 years later, Hiroko suggests revisiting Otsuchi, but Haru hesitates. When Haru returns home from school, she finds her aunt collapsed, triggering a subjective breakdown. Haru embarks on an aimless hitchhiking journey from Kure, Hiroshima to Otsuchi, over 1300km alone.

Along the way, Haru unexpectedly encounters diverse aspects of humanity, from death and loss to the wonder of life. She also faces both helping and unkind hands. Through this journey, Haru’s oppressed emotions and traumatic experiences gradually emerge, and regain their own voices.

Voices in the Wind is a meditation on the necessity of using language and dialogue with others to confront and overcome loss. It highlights that no one can truly heal or find themselves without engaging with others. Seasoned director Nobuhiro Suwa employs slow-moving shots and minimal cuts to emphasise character interactions within the frame, but it delivers a subtly profound message and showcases Motola’s impressive performance.

Passes are available allowing entry to multiple Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme screenings at a reduced rate. Visit this page to purchase a pass.

Join the Satori Screen Facebook Group to be kept up to date on East Asian film screenings at QUAD. 

Each ticket is subject to a £1 transaction fee at checkout with the exception of bookings made by QUAD members. This £1 goes directly towards the running of QUAD.

Image: © 2020 The Phone of the Wind Film Partners