Film screening in San Diego: “The Harimaya Bridge,” Oct 24, 26, 2009
10th Annual Asian Film Festival by The Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana
San Diego Hazard Center UltraStar Cinemas in Mission Valley
7510 Hazard Center Drive, #100, San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 685-2841
Located at: Off 163 freeway in the bottom section of the Hazard Center just off Friars Road.
October 24, 7:30 PM (Friday)
October 26, 7:15 PM (Monday)
The Harimaya Bridge (2009) Directed by Aaron Woolfolk
The Harimaya Bridge is a drama about an American man who was fascinated by Japan and had to find his life there. It is also about his father who must travel to rural Japan to claim some important items belonging to his late son, from whom he was estranged. While there, he learns several secrets his son left behind.
The story takes place in Kochi, a rural part of Japan where traditional customs remain strong. The movie is a strong human drama that addresses the bond and conflict between father and son, along with the discrimination and prejudice that exists between people.
Daniel Holder’s father was killed fighting the Japanese during World War II, something he thought he had made peace with until the recent discovery that his father was killed in a very cruel and brutal way. When his beloved son Mickey takes a job in Japan teaching English, it creates a rift between them.
Mickey dies in a traffic accident, and Daniel’s profound regret at their estrangement is matched only by his increasing resentment towards Japan. Despite these feelings, he goes there to retrieve precious items belonging to his son.
Daniel is welcomed in Kochi by Mickey’s former colleagues. While he sees that his son was loved by the people there, he rejects the kindness shown towards him, preferring to hold onto his hatred. But a series of unexpected discoveries about Mickey forces Daniel to reassess his feelings for Japan and the life he will henceforth lead.
Ben Guillory, a veteran actor of film, television, and stage, plays the lead role of Daniel. Acclaimed actor and star Danny Glover, best known for his leading roles in the Lethal Weapon and SAW franchises, plays Daniel's older brother Joseph.
Award-winning Japanese actresses Saki Takaoka and Misa Shimizu, both popular stars in their home country, round out the leading cast as Noriko and Hara, respectively.
Director and writer Aaron Woolfolk won the Directors Guild of America’s Best African-American Student Filmmaker Award for his short film Rage!
He then went to Kochi, where he had worked before as an English teacher, and made two short films, Kuroi-Hitsuji and Eki. Both films won several awards and were invited to screen at top film showcases around the world, including the Toronto International Film Festival.
The Hariyama Bridge is his first feature film.