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Kalanchoe

2016

A high school class gets an impromptu lesson on the LGBTQ community and soon realizes no other class had such a lecture. The entire class grows suspicious — Is there a queer student among them? Shun Nakagawa’s emotive short film quietly captures our shared struggle and striving for empathy, understanding, and the delicate threads of human connection.
( 39 min. )
Available Worldwide except Japan


▷About the Filmmaker - Learn more about the director Shun Nakagawa
▷Send Message to the Filmmaker - Share your thoughts of the film!


If you enjoyed this film, check out the director’s standout feature debut “Sayonara, Girls.”


Director

Shun Nakagawa

Language

Japanese with English subtitles

Director's Note

I feel that the film ultimately illustrates the dilemma of “doing what one believes to be right”. What I consider obvious isn’t necessarily what the other person find obvious. Things that make me feel happy might make someone else feel uncomfortable. This film demonstrates the intricacies of human communication. That being said, we cannot avoid interpersonal communication altogether, as our society wouldn’t function that way. We must continue to strive for better relationships through trial and error. We shouldn’t give up on understanding each other, even if we hurt and get hurt in the process. I’d be very happy if that message resonates with you through this film.

directors-note-image
Rainbow Reel Tokyo
Kyoto International Film Festival
Yokohama International Film Festival
New Directors Film Festival

Bonus Content

Director's Commentary "Kalanchoe" [Exclusively available with rental/purchase]

11m

Director Shun Nakagawa shares what he took away from the experience of making this film, and explains his decision on the film’s ending. (*This video includes a spoiler.)