Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on June 2013

Documentary filmmaker Sumiko Haneda is one of the pioneers of the genre in Japan and a groundbreaking visual artist for women in the country. Her films have been showcased around the world, including the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival. After releasing her first documentary in 1957, she has continually addressed social issues and injustices in Japan through her work. She produced her 1977 piece Usuzumi no Sakura (The Cherry Tree with Gray Blossoms) independently and won much acclaim with it—which cemented her as one of Japan’s top documentarians.

Soshite Akiko Wa, released in 1985, showed at the Kanebo International Women’s Film Week at the very first Tokyo International Film Festival and is well worthy of its current re-release. It follows Akiko Kaneda, who became obsessed with dance and the American choreographer, Martha Graham, at a young age. She moved to the US, dedicated herself to the art form and joined Graham’s ensemble. Every pore of Akiko’s being breathes a desire to express herself in dance and to leave words behind. Akiko becomes her own creative force and this powerful essay captures her development and a life dedicated to art. A wonderful film. (107 min)