Director
In Japan, there are many customs, folk tales, and legends unique to each region. This animation is based on a story told by a potter in Nagata-nasa, Mimata-cho, Miyazaki Prefecture, where there are many legends of kappa (water imps), narrated by the potter himself. The artist was kind enough to share some of the ash from the local Mt. Shinmoe volcano, which he also uses as a material for his pottery. This animation was filmed with drawing pictures on a glass table using the volcanic ashes.
Animation Director
It took Kaori Sakagami six years to receive permission for shooting her documentary in a Japanese prison. In a unique project, a limited number of inmates can participate in a therapeutic circle in order to understand the mental and social conditions of their behavior. Even after being released from prison, former inmates are supported by psychologists and social workers. What is remarkable in the process: the inmates learn to support each other and to open up toward the experiences of others.
