Johatsu - Into Thin Air
In Japan, thousands of people disappear voluntarily every year. And there are companies ready to help those who want to disappear without a trace and start a new life somewhere else, whether it’s due to debt, bankruptcy or unfortunate life circumstances. They are called ‘johatsu’ (‘evaporated’), and the film of the same name explores the phenomenon in a sober and unprejudiced way through some of the human destinies it connects. Sugimoto has gone into hiding from debt collectors after a bankruptcy, while Kanda has dropped out to live a nomadic existence as a gambler. Saita is a ‘night mover’ who helps them fulfil their wish, while Goto is a single mother who is trying to find her missing son with the help of a private investigator. They are all connected to each other – even those who no longer want to be.
Nominated for the German Documentary Film Music Award 2024
DOK.fest Munich 2024 – WINNER: VIKTOR Main Competition DOK.international
Thessaloniki iDF 2024 - International Competition
CPH:DOX 2024
ZagrebDox 2024
Krakow Film Festival 2024 - International Competition
Shanghai IFF 2024
Encounters South African Documentary Festival 2024
Macao International Documentary Film Festival 2024
Rio de Janeiro Int‘l Film Festival 2024