“Light Of Hope In The Wilderness” awarded second SIGNIS Japan Peace Prize
The Second SIGNIS Japan Peace Prize went to “Light Of Hope In The Wilderness”
On June 23, the screening and award ceremony/talk for the SIGNIS JAPAN Peace Prize was held at the same venue. The Peace Prize is awarded to a film that aligns with Catholic values and worldviews and can convey a message of peace. This year marked the second time, and “Theatrical Version: Light of Hope in the Wilderness” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgc3pSFiZ8s (directed by Dir. Kenji Taniya) was chosen. It is a documentary film that traces the 35-year journey of Dr. Tetsu Nakamura’s activities. “The film addresses issues such as poverty, hunger, war, and environmental problems on Earth. Many people have already given up on these global issues, but the fact that there was a ‘person who never gave up’ named Tetsu Nakamura in such a world is a source of hope for all humanity”. These words from Father Masahide Haresaku sum up the reasons for choosing this film for the Peace Prize. After the screening and discussion, director Kenji Taniya mentioned that the person who is most delighted about receiving the Peace Prize this time is Tetsu Nakamura. From the feedback we received after the screenings, it’s clear that this film is conveying Tetsu Nakamura’s way of life and his thoughts on peace to the audience.
There are many “things that must be done” to realize these screenings, such as selecting the films, negotiating with distribution companies, meetings with directors, securing venues, and ticket sales, among others. It requires both time and effort. However, in this process, we have the opportunity to meet valuable people and experience joy that we wouldn’t otherwise. One of those joys is being able to share the excitement of the films with many people. “I felt like I understood what movies are all about. It’s probably a tool for sharing the beauty of humanity with everyone.” This is a passage from Father Masahide Haresaku’s Award justification for the 2017 winning film “Blanca.”
We want to continue our activities, believing in the power that films possess. This is SIGNIS wish.