Satoko Yokohama’s dreamlike children’s film Seaside Serendipity (Umibe e Iku Michi) earned a Special Mention at the prestigious 75th Berlin International Film Festival. The film, which was selected for the “Generation KPlus” category—dedicated to films for and about children—was recognized on February 22 for its unique storytelling and artistic approach.
Despite its unconventional length of two hours and 20 minutes, Seaside Serendipity captivated young viewers, drawing praise from the most critical audience of all. “I was overjoyed to see so many children watch it until the very end,” said Yokohama. “It’s a long, noncommercial, auteur film, so I couldn’t have hoped for higher praise when I joined the festival.”
Based on Gin Miyoshi’s manga of the same name, the film is set in a picturesque seaside town. It follows Sosuke, a dedicated junior high school student and art club member, who immerses himself in his passion for art while navigating the quirks of the eccentric adults around him.
Responding to a question about the film’s episodic structure, Yokohama explained, “The original manga features so many stories, so I created a chaotic world where various characters come and go to tell an ensemble story.” She added, “I left spaces for viewers to fill in and imagine how the characters live their lives.”
The 75th Berlin International Film Festival concluded on February 23, and Seaside Serendipity is scheduled for release in Japan this summer.
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