Pacific Islands Showcase
©︎Joseph Yoshimasu Kamiya
Asian Premiere
『Uyafaafuji's Refusal: An Ode to the Yanbaru』
Director: Shō Yamagushiku
2021／10 minutes／USA, Canada／English, Okinawan／FHD
"Uyafaafuji's Refusal: An Ode to the Yanbaru" invites viewers into the dense rainforest of memory, where mysterious images and sounds emerge, representing the intervention of our uyafaafuji (ancestors in Okinawan language) in our daily lives. These ancestors refuse to let us forget, compromise, or be constrained by the laws of nations seeking to claim us. Through a blend of uta-sanshin, spoken word, and elemental imagery, this video initiates a dialogue with our uyafaafuji, both known and unknown.
＜Director Profile＞
Shō Yamagushiku
Shō Yamagushiku's creative work is rooted in a diasporic islander consciousness, aiming to break down barriers and inertia by sharing complex narratives. His heritage traces back to Okinawa and Alaska, and he currently resides in Victoria, British Columbia, cultivating spaces for challenging stories and fostering understanding.
