Toichi (Akira Emoto), an aging ferryman in a remote Meiji-era community, lives a peaceful, cyclical existence, given meaning by the essential role he plays in transporting people, livestock, and goods across the water, connecting villages and lives. When news arrives that a bridge is being built, it becomes painfully apparent that his services will no longer be needed. Meanwhile, his life will be equally transformed by the appearance of a mysterious young woman he saves from drowning.

Featuring “stunning visuals and a stellar cast” (The Japan Times), THEY SAY NOTHING STAYS THE SAME is the debut directorial feature by actor Joe Odagiri and premiered in competition at Venice Days and won the Best International Feature at the Antalya Golden Orange Film Festival.

“A film that demands to be watched and felt... It is the perfect balance of the mundane and the magical. It leaves you room for your own interpretations while letting you immerse yourself in the stunning visuals. A timeless, soon-to-be-classic.” –Sinema

DIRECTED BY JOE ODAGIRI
JAPAN | 2019 | JAPANESE WITH ENGLISH SUBTITLES