At the mini-theater “Stranger” in Kikukawa, Sumida Ward, Tokyo, a special Greta Gerwig showcase will be held from August 23 (Friday) to September 12 (Thursday).
Greta Gerwig, who gained significant attention for her 2023 directorial work ‘Barbie,’ which set a record for the highest box office earnings by a solo film directed by a woman, is the focus of this special screening. The showcase will feature three films representing the “mumblecore” movement that dominated the American independent film scene in the 2000s, with Gerwig in the lead roles: ‘Hannah Takes the Stairs,’ ‘Baghead’, and ‘Nights and Weekends.’
Directed by Joe Swanberg, ‘Hannah Takes the Stairs,’ is a quintessential mumblecore coming-of-age film where the protagonist, feeling uncertain about her future and her relationship with her boyfriend after quitting her job, begins a new relationship with a coworker. The film was created with the cast and crew living together and features improvised acting rather than a scripted screenplay.
‘Baghead’ is the second feature film directed by the Duplass brothers, Jay and Mark, who are prominent figures in the mumblecore movement. The film follows a group of struggling actors who retreat to a cabin in the woods to make a movie. However, they encounter a series of bizarre phenomena, leading to an unexpected twist at the end.
‘Knights & Weekends’ is Greta Gerwig’s debut feature film, which she co-directed, co-wrote, produced, and starred in alongside Joe Swanberg. The film portrays the reunion of a couple who reconnect after ending a long-distance relationship.
‘BAGHEAD’ and ‘Knights & Weekends’ will be making their debut screenings in Japan.
Stranger, the venue for these screenings, is the only mini-theater in Tokyo’s eastern area and opened in September 2022. The cinema features a 49-seat theater integrated with a café that has approximately 15 seats.
JAIHO Collaborations: Greta Gerwig Retrospective
‘Hannah Takes the Stairs’
2007, USA, 83 min
Director: Joe Swanberg
Cast: Greta Gerwig, Kent Osborne, Mark Duplass, Andrew Bujalski, Rye Russo-Young
‘Baghead’
2008, USA, 79 min
Directors: Jay Duplass, Mark Duplass
Cast: Greta Gerwig, Steve Zissis, Ross Partridge
‘Nights and Weekends’
2008, USA, 79 min
Directors: Greta Gerwig, Joe Swanberg
Cast: Greta Gerwig, Joe Swanberg, Jay Duplass, Kent Osborne, Lynn Shelton, Allison Bugnore
Screening Dates: August 23 (Fri) – September 12 (Thu)
Venue: Stranger
1F, 3-7-1 Kikukawa, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0024
Admission: ¥1,500 (flat rate)
Please note that no other discounts or special service days apply.
