2025 Film from Japan: 'Kaze no Majimu (PUREHEARTED)' (A true story of resilience and Okinawa’s spirit)NEW

Heart-felt and uplifting drama set in Okinawa!. The Japan Film Festival Los Angeles (JFFLA) and Okinawa Association of America (OAA) will co-host the U.S. premiere of『風のマジム』“Kaze no Majimu (PUREHEARTED)” on September 7 (Sunday), 1:00 - 3:00 p.m., at the OAA Center’s Yamauchi Bldg., 16500 S. Western Ave., Gardena 90247.

Free RSVP for OAA members or advanced ticket purchase ($5 general public) required due to limited space: oaamensore.org/tickets

The movie is 106 minutes and will have English subtitles. (Note: The story is about the production of rum and includes scenes of alcohol consumption, but is suitable for all ages)

Trailer: youtube.com/watch?v=-R7abWAUylc
FULL FESTIVAL SCHEDULE: jffla.org

Based on a true story, this heart-felt and uplifting drama follows Majimu Inami (Sairi Ito), a young office worker in Naha City, and her journey to make a new type of rum using sugarcane grown in Minami-Daitō. However, the endeavor proves to be a challenge: Inami’s prioritizing of authenticity vs. the sponsoring company’s prioritizing of profitability, the differing perspectives of young and elder business owners in Minami-Daitō.

The film and Maha Harada’s novel of the same name are modeled on the achievements of Yuko Kinjo, who started Grace Rum Co., Ltd. in 2004 using Minami-Daitō sugarcane. Kinjo commented on Ito’s performance: “It was like I was looking at my old self, and my heart was filled with memories. I could tell that she was acting with all her heart.” (Ryūkyū Shimpō newspaper, December 2024)

While novelist Harada, director Kaoru Haga, and most of the main actors do not have Okinawan roots, “Kaze no Majimu” is nuanced and avoids tropes and stereotypes that are sometimes used in Japanese productions set in Okinawa. It is also filled with Uchinaaguchi (one of the native Ryūkyūan languages) and Uchinaa-Yamatuguchi (Japanese language mixed with Okinawan).

The screening will also include the world premiere of “Okinawa is Everywhere,” an 8-minute short documentary by David Ralston. It follows Okinawa Americana, a traditional-fusion music band founded by Ralston and Merry Gushi, who has performed for Okinawan communities all around the world (including the OAA’s Shuri Castle reconstruction fundraiser back in 2019).

This year marks the Japan Film Festival Los Angeles (JFFLA)’s 20th anniversary. Screenings are set for September 6 - 14 at Japan Foundation Los Angeles, Japan House, Hang On To The Dream Theater, New Gardena Hotel, and Newport Beach Higashi Honganji. Online screenings start September 1. JFFLA aims to deepen the understanding of Japanese culture among American audiences by presenting films that offer authentic insights into Japan's traditions, contemporary issues, and artistic expressions. By featuring works from both established and emerging filmmakers, the festival provides a platform for diverse voices and stories that resonate across cultures.

The Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) is an award-winning 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and perpetuating Okinawan culture in the greater Los Angeles area. Formed by first generation immigrants (issei) over a century ago, the OAA has grown into a multi-generational organization that hosts numerous events throughout the year including cultural presentations, performances, and senior-focused activities.