Three Japanese Love Stories

Thirty years ago, Shinjuku Boys changed the landscape of butch and trans masc representation in film. Join us in revisiting this iconic documentary alongside two new lesbian and non-binary narrative shorts from Japan’s contemporary queer filmmaking scene. Includes post-screening conversation.

Farewell, Saranghae, Farewell

High schoolers Naho and Hitomi have a carefree young romance in a rural town in Japan, but Nato’s ambition is to become a K-pop idol in Korea. Hitomi supports her girlfriend, even if she thinks her dream is unrealistic. With a fateful audition, the girls’ blossoming relationship is put to the test – but Hitomi cracks a foolhardy plan to keep them together.

HONG Sunhye/ Japan/ 26m

Writer: HONG Sunhye

Producer: MIKE Karin

Hear. Me. Out.

It’s Halloween, Maki is alone, nobody recognises her feminist Patrick Bateman costume, and she’s too shy to talk to a beautiful girl at the party. Lacking the courage to make a move, she’s approached instead by non-binary guest Yoe, and the two awkward partygoers share an unexpected conversation about queer identity, solidarity and friendship.

Yukie Mochizuki/ Japan/ 17m

Writer: Yukie Mochizuki

Country: Japan

Shinjuku Boys

This iconic 1995 documentary, rarely screened in Ireland, has been celebrated for 30 years for its candid portrait of trans masc hosts working at the New Marilyn Club in Tokyo. Allowing the titular boys to discuss not just their jobs and gender, but their views on love, sex and identity, Shinjuku Boys remains a favourite of butch and trans masc cinemas for its portraits of trans masc life at its most authentic and intimate.

Kim Longinotto, Jano Williams/ UK/ 53m