The Nighthawk’s First Love

『よだかの片想い』

Int’l Premiere. An adaptation of Naoki Prize-winning author Rio Shimamoto’s romantic novel, Yuka Yasukawa’s second feature follows the life of young grad student Aiko (Rena Matsui) whose facial birthmark has left her reluctant to pursue love. After being interviewed for a book focusing on facial scars and birthmarks, Aiko finds herself in unknown territory when rising interest in her story slates the book for a film adaptation. Initially reluctant to participate, Aiko begins to fall for the film’s director who accepts her for who she is. Tender and delicate, Yasukawa’s The Nighthawk’s First Love offers an emotive and resonant portrayal of Aiko’s struggles and pathway to first love.

Dir. Yuka Yasukawa, 2021, 98 min., DCP, color, in Japanese with English subtitles. With Ayumu Nakajima, Rena Matsui, Mina Fujii.

Part of the ACA Cinema Project, The Female Gaze: Women Filmmakers from JAPAN CUTS and Beyond
November 11—20, 2022

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Image: © Rio Shimamoto/SHUEISHA © 2021 “The Nighthawk’s First Love” Production Committee

ACA Cinema Project, The Female Gaze: Women Filmmakers from JAPAN CUTS and Beyond is Co-presented by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan.

Lead Sponsor

Japan Society programs are made possible by leadership support from Booth Ferris Foundation and Shiseido Americas. 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, and endowment support from the Lila Wallace-Reader’s Digest Endowment Fund. Additional season support is provided by The Globus Family, David Toberisky, Akiko Koide and Shohei Koide, Geoff and Fumi Matters, Laurel Gonsalves, and David S. Howe. Transportation assistance is provided by Japan Airlines, the exclusive Japanese airline sponsor of Japan Society Film.