Event Description

Dir. Shinya Tamada

Japanese with English Subtitles

Marika Itô, Takumi Kitamura, Atsuko Maeda

Kasumi has never experienced any feelings of romantic attraction. Until now, she has managed to avoid too much scrutiny, but this all changes following her sister's marriage and pregnancy, which prompts their mother to demand that Kasumi follow suit. But Kasumi refuses to let others define what happiness is, resolving instead to confront those around her and to challenge the very notion of falling in love. Powered by a terrific performance from Toku Miura, who shot to prominence in Drive My Car, Tamada Shinya's compelling drama offers a rare depiction of asexual identity. Exploring the subtle assumptions about sex and human attraction that govern our daily lives, I Am What I Am depicts the difficulties of having no romantic feelings in a world where love rules supreme.

ABOUT QUEER EAST ON TOUR

A cross-disciplinary festival that showcases boundary-pushing LGBTQ+ cinema, live arts, and moving image work from East and Southeast Asia and its diaspora communities.

This collection of films has been curated by Exeter based illustrator Scotty Gillespie. Scotty's work consists of bright and optimistic imagery that celebrates inclusivity, playfulness, and tenderness. Their practice spans into digital illustration, ceramics, animation, Tattoo and design.