Movie production between Mount Fuji, Tokyo and Osaka
In the spring of 2023 I had the privilege of being part of the film crew that shot a feature-length (90 minutes) documentary about the feminist movement in Japan (executive production company: Übergrafisch UG). The film is being produced entirely in the original Japanese audio with English and German subtitles. Film title: “Red Flower” / “Akai Hana”.
Red Flower is a raw and powerful portrait of Japan’s feminist movement, following activists who have spent years confronting gender-based violence and inequality with unwavering dedication and strength.
Sandra Beuck (director)
Synopsis
Red Flower traces the evolution of Japan’s feminist movement through the powerful voices and actions of activists such as Minori Kitahara, Mariko Mitsui, Yumeno Nito, and others who have committed their lives to confronting gender-based violence, inequality, and systemic silence.
Over the years, these women have sparked critical conversations, organized protests, and built resilient networks of resistance, remaining steadfast in their fight for change.
The film offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at their ongoing struggle, capturing the courage, clarity, and persistence required to push forward in a society where progress is often slow and opposition remains strong.
Red Flower is a compelling portrait of feminist activism: unflinching, determined, and deeply rooted in lived experience.
Snapshot from the campus of Tokyo University, waiting for an interview with Prof. Dr. Kaori Hayashi (Tokyo University)Tokyo: Interview with Dr. Caroline Norma (RMIT University), have a look at her book Voices from the Contemporary Japanese Feminist MovementFilming in the ’red light district’ of TokyoTents on the roof of a save house over the streets of Tokyo where young women can take refugeInside the tentsFujimi, filming with Mariko Mitsui (Journalist and Recipient of Royal Norwegian Order of Merit)Fujimi: Outside of the house, the small campaigning bus with the loudspeakers parked nearby. The kitchen and campaign office of Akiko NishiSandra filming the campaign tour of Akiko Nishi biking through FujimiPreproduction at our flat in Osaka: The Canons and Nikons are coming home!Osaka: Preparing the interview with Prof. Dr. Hiroshi Nakasatomi (Osaka Electro-Communication University)Preparing for capturing the LGBTQ pride parade in Tokyo – gathering with the press: The more gear you carry the less people ask why you are here.At the LGBTQ parade
Trivial learnings and impressions
It may look like a mess, but Tokyo’s public transport is top notchYes, everything you heard about Japanese toilets is true (picture taken at a private home)Tokyo at night is overwhelming, amazing, tiresome and simply great. Although I am a small town boy, I never felt unwelcome.The customs declaration you need to fill out at Tokyo airport when traveling to Japan (left) and the beautiful visa stamp you get when your entry is granted. There is staff on location who can help you when filling out the form, you do not need to bring a pen. Leaflets at a public restroom in a bar. Advertisement for preventing HIV and STD tests with the help of Sailor Moon.Tokyo’s back alleysTokyo: German culture
