The Nighthawk’s First Love (film screening)

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February 11 @ 6:00 pm - 7:45 pm EST
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The Nighthawk’s First Love
よだかの片想い
Tuesday, February 11, 6:00PM (ET)
Doors open 5:30PM | Film Screening | In-Person | JFT Event Hall
Directed by YASUKAWA Yuka • 2021 • Drama / Romance • 98 minutes • Presented in Japanese with English subtitles • Trailer
Content Advisory: This film includes scenes of a sexual nature. Viewer discretion is advised.
Aiko (MATSUI Rena), a graduate science student, has always had low-self esteem and has been teased since childhood because of a birthmark on the left side of her face. At school she is devoted to her research, but her situation changes dramatically when she is interviewed for a book about people with birthmarks or injuries on their face. The book is to be adapted into a movie and Aiko is introduced to the director, Tobisaka (NAKAJIMA Ayumu), by her friend Marie (ODA Risa). Aiko’s feelings for Tobisaka grows, which causes her to come face to face with her own complex.
Adapted from the novel of the same name by acclaimed romance author SHIMAMOTO Rio (島本 理生).
Presented in conjunction with our Valentine’s event series spotlighting SHIMAMOTO Rio.
Free admission. Register below.
Director Profile:
YASUKAWA Yuka (安川有果) was born in 1986 in Nara prefecture. In 2012, she was selected by Cineastes Organization Osaka (CO2) to direct Dressing Up, which won the Grand Prize and the Award for Best Actress at TAMA NEW WAVE, and the New Director Award at the Japanese Professional Movie Awards. After participating in omnibus films and stage productions, she directed her second feature film, The Nighthawk’s First Love (2021), which was selected for the Tokyo International Film Festival’s “Future of Asia” section.
Related Programming:
JFT Book Club (Hybrid): First Love by SHIMAMOTO Rio
Saturday, February 8, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM (ET)
This Valentine’s season, we invite you to delve into the intricacies of love through Japanese literature! Join us in person or virtually to discuss SHIMAMOTO Rio’s First Love (島本理生著『ファーストラヴ』), a Naoki-award-winning mystery novel that will leave you reflecting on the complexities of love, family, and hidden truths. This hybrid book club is perfect for anyone intrigued by Japanese literature, romance novels, or mysteries.
First Love and Beyond: Author SHIMAMOTO Rio on Japanese Romance Fiction
Wednesday, February 12, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM (ET)
Dive into the world of romance and storytelling with celebrated Japanese author SHIMAMOTO Rio! This exclusive online talk event will dig into the creation of her Naoki award-winning novel First Love, gain unique insights into her writing process and explore the allure of Japanese romance fiction.