TSUMUGU: Spinning the Thread of Life

(10 minuites documentary, 2024)

Logline:
A Japanese Manga Artist/survivor of childhood trauma gleaned invaluable insights on spinning the thread of life from her personal journey.​

trailer

Director's statement:
Since I was a child, I’ve received so much courage, strength, and laughter from Manga, and it’s been a huge support for me. No matter what happened, even in times when I felt lonely and struggled, Manga was always by my side. I gained wisdom from the characters I encountered in Manga, and my dreams grew.
 

Eventually, I began to draw Manga myself, and a new world was born from that. In this way, drawing pictures and creating stories finally felt like a way to breathe during my childhood. And as I grew up, I discovered that there were others who had walked a similar path. It gave me warmth.

Masami is one of those people - a kindred spirit. I have learned so much from her resilience, strength, and determination. Eating well and continuing to do the things you love, even if no one cares for what you do, provides sustenance for life. I believe her story resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds (especially, I know there are many Manga fans among young people in the US), and I hope it becomes a valuable source of insight, even in small ways, for many living in the challenging present day.

Keep moving forward.