8 Views of Lake Biwa
original title: “Biwa järve 8 nägu”
year: 2024
genre: drama (feature film)
duration: 126 min
premiere: International Film Festival Rotterdam 2024
director: Marko Raat
producer: Ivo Felt
editor: Jaak Ollino jr.
production company: Allfilm, Bufo
synopsis
On the shimmering shores of Europe’s otherworldly edge, two teenage girls, Hanake and her best friend are discussing their first love interest while gazing out at yachts sailing to Kyoto. They whisper prayers and poems, the language of their longings. But the magic is fading in their isolated fishing village as they’re dealing with a recent disaster, with some indulging in erotic art, some in spiritual spells. It becomes clear that intimacy alone won’t help them process their loss.
A deeply visceral tale illuminating the lives of a community who still believe that they are connected to the universe.