"Black Box Diaries" is a 2024 documentary directed by Shiori Itō, a Japanese journalist and filmmaker. The film provides an intimate and courageous account of Itō's personal investigation into her own sexual assault, shedding light on the systemic challenges within Japan's judicial and societal structures.
Synopsis:
In 2015, Shiori Itō was sexually assaulted by Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a prominent Japanese journalist with close ties to political elites. Facing institutional resistance and societal stigma, Itō embarked on a relentless pursuit of justice, documenting her journey through personal video diaries, courtroom footage, and investigative journalism. Her case became a landmark in Japan's #MeToo movement, challenging outdated legal definitions of rape and advocating for survivors' rights.
Themes:
Survivor's Resilience: The film highlights Itō's determination to seek justice despite societal and institutional obstacles.
Systemic Injustice: It critiques the inadequacies within Japan's legal system concerning sexual assault cases.
Advocacy and Reform: The documentary underscores the importance of legal and societal reforms to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.
Awards: 18 wins & 27 nominations international film festivals.
"Black Box Diaries" has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, including:
Sundance Film Festival 2024: Nominated for the World Cinema Documentary Grand Jury Prize.
CPH:DOX 2024: Won the Human:Rights Award.
Zurich Film Festival 2024: Won Best International Documentary Film.
National Board of Review 2024: Named one of the Top 5 Documentaries of the year
Reviews:
The documentary has been lauded for its impactful storytelling and Itō's bravery:
Variety: Describes the film as a "courageously candid documentary account of her own #MeToo battle."
RogerEbert.com: Highlights the film's "unforgettable chilling images" and its role in exposing systemic failures.
Filmmaker Magazine: Praises Itō's "dogged investigation" and the film's profound impact.
Production Companies:
Cineric Creative
Hanashi Films
Star Sands
Spark Features
Distribution:
Distributors:
MTV Documentary Films (United States)
Dogwoof (United Kingdom)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30227076/
About movie: https://releasing.dogwoof.com/black-box-diaries
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/black-box-diaries (US), https://www.justwatch.com/uk/movie/black-box-diaries (UK)
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