Performing KAORU’s Funeral

『カオルの葬式』
KAORU no Soushiki

New York Premiere – Featuring Director Noriko Yuasa In-Person. Noriko Yuasa’s Performing KAORU’s Funeral is a riveting black comedy that captures the palpable explosion of emotions at a familial wake. Failed actor Jun receives a phone call that informs him that his elusive ex-wife Kaoru has chosen him to be the chief mourner at her funeral in her last will and testament. Traveling to Kaoru’s hometown to enact the service as a reluctant participant, Jun is met by a claustrophobic cast of family members and friends, including Kaoru’s daughter, accompanied by a flood of memories about the deceased. With a perfect ensemble of off-kilter performances, accompanied by a percussive soundtrack and propulsive editing, Yuasa delivers a dark comedy that etches an entertaining yet poignant portrait of familial dysfunction.

Winner of the JAPAN CUTS Award at the 2024 Osaka Asian Film Festival

Dir. Noriko Yuasa, 2023, 100 min., DCP, color, in Japanese with English subtitles. With Koji Seki, Kano Ichiki, Chise Niitsu.

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: © PKFP PARTNERS. LLC / Production Year 2023.

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.