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Best Documentary for “Ushiku” in Croatia

Best Documentary for “Ushiku” in Croatia

Posted on October 12, 2022

At the closing ceremony on October 11, “Ushiku” received the award for Best Feature Documentary at the Apox Film Festival (Oct. 4-11) in Veli Losinj, Croatia. In a statement on social media, Thomas wrote, “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing about the treatment of refugees and asylum-seekers to Japan with people all over the world. Thank you for your continued support.” JURY STATEMENT FROM APOX FILM FESTIVAL, CROATIA “The quality of filmmaking, the story, the flow, keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end, and opens up new perspectives that others should hear and learn about. Quality work made in such a way […]

“Best Documentary Director award” at 2022 Harlem IFF for “Ushiku”

“Best Documentary Director award” at 2022 Harlem IFF for “Ushiku”

Posted on May 30, 2022

Thomas received the Best Documentary Director award at the 2022 Harlem International Film Festival (NYC) for “Ushiku”.  In a statement released on social media, he wrote: “First and foremost, I would like to acknowledge the courageousness of the film’s participants in speaking out. As a director, I believe it is my role not to speak for those who have shared their stories, but to help carry those voices out into the world. I pray all who hear the voices of the film’s participants will see themselves in the other and be moved to demand just immigration policies and the elimination of discrimination.” 2022ハーレム国際映画祭(アメリカ・ニューヨーク)にて、『Ushiku』が最優秀ドキュメンタリー監督賞を受賞したことは、大変光栄なことです。 この映画の参加者たちが勇気をもって「真実を伝えるために」発言したことを重く受け止め、敬意を表します。 監督としての私の役割は、当事者の言葉を代弁するのではなく、その声を世の中に届けることです。『牛久』を観た人々が、当事者のおかれた状況を他人事ではなく、もしそこにいるのが自分や家族であったらと受け止め、公正な難民政策と差別のない社会の実現のため、行動をおこされるよう祈ります。

Thomas honoured with Freedom of the Press Japan award

Thomas honoured with Freedom of the Press Japan award

Posted on April 28, 2022

At the 2022 Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan Freedom of the Press Awards, Thomas was honoured with the Freedom of the Press Japan Award for “Ushiku”.

Films