Tuesday, August 13, 6:00 p.m. | Winner of the Gold Hugo for Best Film at the 31st Chicago International Film Festival, the Japanese director, known for his subtle stunners AFTER LIFE, NOBODY KNOWS, SHOPLIFTERS, and MONSTER, creates a somber meditation on memory, loneliness, and grief. Filmed with the same reserve and sensitivity as its performances, MABOROSI (which loosely translates to “phantom light”) follows a young mother who is devastated when her husband suddenly and inexplicably takes his own life. She moves on and remarries, but the mystery of her former lover’s death still lingers.

Awards & Nominations

Winner - Gold Hugo, Chicago International Film Festival
Winner - Newcomer of the Year (Makiko Esumi), Awards of the Japanese Academy
Nominee - Golden Lion, Venice Film Festival

Before They Were Big: All filmmakers have to start somewhere, and for many, the Chicago International Film Festival was a crucial part of their journey from novice to auteur. In honor of the festival’s 60th anniversary, they present four auspicious and visionary directorial debuts that screened at the festival, each one showcasing the budding brilliance of their makers. Synopses provided by the Chicago International Film Festival. View full series

The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu