Fishes in August

Running time: N/A

Fishes in August follows 18-year-old Kenji during his last true summer vacation, the summer before his final year in school. During the fateful month of August, Kenji will encounter pornography, bars, betrayal, girls, and more than enough trouble to grow him up quickly. As the days of his freedom count down, the montage of life grows more and more complex. His female classmate and secret crush, Reiko, complicates his life with confusion. More and more, Kenji wishes he could live life effortlessly, like a fish swimming through the ocean. Fishes in August spins a subtly fascinating story of growing up on Tokyo Bay while the backdrop of the endless water and the intricate play of darkness and light inject a note of spare elegance in this unique coming of age film. Winner, Best Actor - Thessaloniki International Film Festival. --Kristina Batiste