The film "My Grandfather is a Nihonjin" ("Meu avô é um Nihonjin") is an adaptation of the beloved novel by Oscar Nakasato. Celia Catunda is directing the film. skill. Through the medium of 2D animation, the movie artfully weaves together elements of Japanese culture, presenting a portrayal of fragile yet courageous characters grappling with their own personal trials. This heartfelt narrative resonates deeply with a wide audience, as immigration remains a prevalent reality for countless families forced to leave their homeland behind.
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Here is a statement from the director, Celia Catunda, about the project:
"When I first read Oscar Nakasato's novel 'Nihonjin,' it deeply touched me on multiple levels. The incredible bravery exhibited by the characters as they embarked on a journey to a foreign and unfamiliar place like Brazil in the 1920s, and the unwavering resilience and adaptability of the Japanese immigrants left a lasting impression on me. Witnessing their gradual transformation over three generations, as they assimilated a little more into Brazilian culture each day, was truly remarkable."
As a São Paulo resident, Catunda has been fortunate to have close friendships with individuals who are descendants of Japanese immigrants. This proximity to their personal stories and familial relationships, with all their intricacies and complexities, has allowed her to intimately connect with their experiences. Moreover, she believes that, amidst the prevailing intolerance towards immigration, the story of Hideo and Noboru can shed light on the beauty and cultural richness that emerges from the process. The film serves as a testament to the diversity and history of migration and cultural exchange between Brazil and Japan, while never neglecting the challenges that immigrants encounter.