From Limbo to Samurai: Ugandan Asylum Seeker Turns to Filmmaking in Japan

Facing deportation from Japan, a Ugandan filmmaker makes a samurai film inspired by his own life.

For over 15 years, Sunday, an Ugandan asylum seeker, has lived in limbo in Japan. After being detained at the Shinagawa immigration centre, he must regularly report to authorities and relies on charity to feed his children.

Recent changes to Japan’s immigration laws could lead to his deportation. Refusing to be reduced to a statistic, Sunday launches an unexpected project: a samurai film that pays tribute to Yasuke, remembered as Japan’s first Black samurai. For him, filmmaking becomes an act of survival, dignity and hope.

Sunday in Japan is a documentary film by Antonio Rui Ribeiro, Leo Nelki and Golriz Kolahi.

Source link