Kino immer anders
On Christmas Eve, a family of three receives the kind of gift many only dream of: a new baby to join them. But this family is not what it seems: they’re not related by blood or live under the same roof—they’re homeless, bound together by chance and shared hardship. Gin, an alcoholic, claims to have been a successful cyclist before losing everything to gambling and abandoning his family. Hana, a kind-hearted trans woman, dreams of motherhood while concealing a painful past filled with rejection. Miyuki, an 11-year-old runaway, fled home after an argument with her father. The baby doesn’t come into their lives through birth but is discovered abandoned in the trash, sparking an extraordinary journey. The trio embarks on a mission to find the child’s parents, navigating Tokyo’s bustling streets. As their quest unfolds, they are pushed to confront old wounds and, in doing so, discover the true meaning of family.
Tokyo Godfathers, directed by Satoshi Kon, examines the fragility and strength of human connections in a cold, unforgiving city. Through its twists, coincidences, and heartfelt storytelling, Kon challenges the notion that family is defined by blood. Tokyo Godfather’s vibrant characters and deeply human narrative create a story that is so touching you’ll forget it’s animated.
Amos Herz
Content notes: transphobia, suicide
Introduction shorts: We will start the screening with Negative Space from Ru Kawahata, 2017 (6 min)
