Kyrie

『キリエのうた』
Kyrie no Uta

North American Premiere. Shunji Iwai (Swallowtail Butterfly, All About Lily Chou-Chou) brings an enchanting new experience to the screen. Starring singer AiNA THE END in her first leading role, Kyrie tells the story of a street musician who cannot speak and can only communicate through song. With a cast rounded out by acclaimed young actors Hokuto Matsumura, Haru Kuroki and Suzu Hirose, the film is told across over 10 years and explores the delicate shape of young love, hurt and family. What tragedy stole Kyrie’s voice? What thread connects her to her friends? And what future can they weave together? Iwai’s Kyrie is a powerful and painful odyssey propelled forward by a stirring musical collaboration between AiNA THE END and Takeshi Kobayashi, the songwriter for Lily Chou-Chou (Salyu) and Swallowtail Butterfly’s Yen Town Band.

Dir. Shunji Iwai, 2023, 178 min., DCP, color, in Japanese with English subtitles. With AiNA THE END, Hokuto Matsumura, Haru Kuroki, Suzu Hirose.

Part of JAPAN CUTS: Festival of New Japanese Film 2024
July 10—21, 2024

JAPAN CUTS is the largest showcase of contemporary Japanese cinema in North America and an annual highlight of New York’s cinema scene.

Image: © 2023 Kyrie Film Band.

Japan Society programs are made possible by leadership support from Booth Ferris Foundation and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. Film programs are generously supported by ORIX Corporation USA, public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, Anime NYC and Yen Press. Endowment support is provided by the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund and The John and Miyoko Davey Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by The Globus Family and Friends of Film. Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the official Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film. Housing assistance is provided by the Prince Kitano New York, the official hotel sponsor of Japan Society Film.