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Deep Dive: Queer Japan (2020)

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Queer Japan
Queer Japan is a documentary film directed by Graham Kolbeins that profiles various individuals in Japan who identify as LGBTQ. The film features artists, academics, community organizers, and activists, presenting a range of personal stories rather than focusing solely on broader issues of LGBTQ rights. Over four years, more than one hundred interviews were conducted in cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa, allowing for a diverse representation of voices within the community. The film was conceived in 2011 during Kolbeins' research for two books on gay manga. It was produced through crowdfunding efforts, raising $47,193 via Kickstarter. Queer Japan had its world premiere at Rainbow Reel Tokyo on July 15, 2019, and was released on video on demand on December 11, 2020.

Why Watch

  • •Meet artists like Atsushi Matsuda and Vivienne Sato.
  • •Find out about LGBTQ life in cities like Osaka and Okinawa.
  • •See the impact of crowdfunding with $47,193 raised.

Did You Know

•Over 100 interviews were conducted for the film over four years.
•The film had its world premiere on July 15, 2019, at Rainbow Reel Tokyo.
•The production raised $47,193 through a Kickstarter campaign launched in 2016.
•Graham Kolbeins conceived the film in 2011 while researching two books.

Perfect For

LGBTQ representationJapanese cultureDocumentary enthusiasts