Ainu Mosir 2020

Kanto, a 14-year-old Ainu boy, grapples with his identity while living in a tranquil town in Hokkaido. His life has been upended following the death of his father, leaving his mother to manage their family’s Ainu gift shop. This traditional community, steeped in Ainu custom and reliant on the tourism industry, often makes Kanto feel trapped. Filled with discontent, he dreams of escaping to a bustling modern city, believing it to be a better life far removed from his Ainu roots.

In the wake of his father’s passing, Kanto finds guidance in Debo, an Ainu elder played by Debo Akibe. Debo imparts wisdom about their cultural traditions, providing Kanto with a sense of belonging as he grapples with his feelings. The community is on the brink of reviving the Iomante, a highly debated bear-sacrifice ritual, igniting discussions and differing opinions among the residents.

During his time in the forest, Kanto unexpectedly befriends a bear, which propels him to confront his views regarding the upcoming ritual. The arrival of a Japanese journalist, portrayed by Lily Franky, adds further complexity as she comes to document the community’s practices and the Iomante rite. Her presence brings new perspectives and challenges Kanto’s preconceptions.

As the tension rises around the bear’s fate, Kanto embarks on a journey of self-discovery. He discovers videotapes showcasing past Iomante rites, immersing himself deeper into Ainu culture and its mystical facets. Surprisingly, what starts as aversion gradually transforms into a nuanced understanding, enabling Kanto to appreciate the rituals that define his heritage. This introspective journey ultimately leads him to the difficult conclusion that he stands against the killing of the bear, igniting a conflict within himself and within his community.

Through Kanto’s experiences, the film paints a vivid picture of the struggle between modernity and tradition, exploring themes of cultural identity and the harsh but beautiful realities of life as an Ainu in contemporary Japan.