Sho Miyake's North American Retrospective: A Deep Dive into His Cinematic Universe

A Cinematic Journey: Exploring Sho Miyake's Vision Across Continents

Unveiling the Retrospective: A North American Premiere

The esteemed Japanese director, Sho Miyake, whose film "Two Seasons, Two Strangers" garnered the Golden Leopard at Locarno in 2025, is bringing his first North American retrospective to New York's Metrograph. This highly anticipated event, running from November 7th to 17th, is a pivotal stop on a broader international tour sponsored by the Japan Foundation, encompassing 14 cities across eight countries. This marks a significant milestone for Miyake, introducing his unique cinematic voice to a wider audience.

Metrograph's Curated Program: "Unspoken Gestures"

The Metrograph's meticulously curated program, aptly titled "Unspoken Gestures: The Films of Sho Miyake," is a collaborative effort with the Japan Foundation. Miyake himself will be present during the opening weekend, engaging with attendees and sharing insights into his creative process. Additional screenings will follow the initial run, providing ample opportunities for film enthusiasts to experience his remarkable body of work.

A Collection of Cinematic Gems: Miyake's Diverse Filmography

The retrospective features a compelling selection of eight of Miyake's original films. Among them is his 2012 debut, "Playback," which first premiered at Locarno, and "The Cockpit" (2014), a captivating 64-minute documentary that follows producer-rapper OMSB and his collaborator Bim as they craft a track in a Tokyo apartment. The program also includes "And Your Bird Can Sing" (2018), presented alongside the 2016 short "August 8th," and "Two Seasons, Two Strangers," paired with the 2016 short "Nagahama." The lineup is rounded out by the boxing drama "Small, Slow but Steady" (2022) and "All the Long Nights" (2024), offering a comprehensive look at his artistic evolution.

Miyake's Influences: A Personal Selection

Beyond his own creations, Miyake has personally selected two films that have profoundly influenced his artistic trajectory. These include David Elfick's 1973 surf documentary, "Crystal Voyager," and Aoyama Shinji's 2007 drama, "Sad Vacation," which concludes Aoyama's "Kitakyushu Saga" and features Asano Tadanobu. Miyake will personally introduce both films on November 8th, following insightful Q&A sessions for "Small, Slow but Steady" and "Two Seasons, Two Strangers" on the preceding day.

Celebrating an Essential Voice: A Programmer's Perspective

Edo Choi, a programmer at Metrograph, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, highlighting Miyake's understated yet powerful impact on international cinema. Choi emphasized the retrospective's goal to amplify Miyake's voice and encourage New York audiences to connect with the work of this vital Japanese film artist, recognizing his significant contributions to the cinematic landscape.

The Extensive Global Journey: Beyond New York

The tour commences on November 3rd in Washington, D.C., where the Japan Information & Culture Center at the Embassy of Japan will host a screening of "Two Seasons, Two Strangers," with Miyake participating in a remote Q&A. Following this, Oklahoma will host screenings from November 9th to 11th at the University of Oklahoma's Meacham Auditorium and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art. Miyake will also conduct a private masterclass for a university screenwriting course.

Expanding Horizons: West Coast and International Stops

Los Angeles will welcome the program from November 13th to 15th at the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, UCR Arts at the University of California, Riverside, and the American Cinematheque's Los Feliz Theatre. This leg of the tour will also feature King Vidor's "The Patsy" (1928) and Tony Scott's "Deja Vu" (2006). Toronto's program, running from November 17th to 19th at TIFF Bell Lightbox, the Fox Theatre, and Paradise Cinema, will showcase Miyake's 2010 film "Good for Nothing" and Jacques Demy's "Bay of Angels" (1962).

A Global Reach: Concluding the International Tour

In the new year, the tour will extend to European cities, including Paris, Toulouse, Rome, Turin, Madrid, Zurich, Cologne, London, and Derby, concluding in February 2027. Miyake is committed to attending every city on the tour, with the exception of Washington, D.C., demonstrating his dedication to connecting with global audiences.

The Essence of Filmmaking: Miyake's Philosophy

In a joint statement, Inoue Ryo and Rokkaku Akinaru of the Japan Foundation echoed Miyake's profound understanding of a director's role: to shoulder the responsibility of crafting images that reflect humanity. They expressed their shared experience of being deeply moved by Miyake's vision and their sincere hope to convey that same sense of wonder and emotion to countless viewers worldwide.

Tracing the Creative Path: Notable Works and Collaborations

Miyake's journey in filmmaking began at a young age, with "Playback" being created in his mid-twenties. The film, featuring Murakami Jun as an actor facing a life transition, was famously compared by his friend Hamaguchi Ryusuke to "a modern-day reincarnation of [John Cassavetes's] 'Opening Night.'" "Small, Slow but Steady" stars Kishii Yukino and draws inspiration from the life of deaf boxer Ogasawara Keiko. "All the Long Nights," an adaptation of Seo Maiko's novel, explores the evolving bond between co-workers Matsumura Hokuto and Kamishiraishi Mone. Finally, "Two Seasons, Two Strangers" brings to life two manga by Tsuge Yoshiharu, featuring a talented ensemble cast including Kawai Yuumi, Takada Mansaku, Shim Eun-kyung, and Tsutsumi Shinichi.