The Sower

A remarkable human-interest film inspired by the life of Vincent van Gogh. Mitsuo, who just came out of the hospital after three years, derives brief happiness from his brother Yuta and his niece Chie. The next day, Mitsuo takes Chie and his another niece Itsuki to an amusement park. However, Chie kills Itsuki by dropping her on the ground while Mitsuo takes his eyes off them. When Chie and Itsuki's mother, Yoko presses Mitsuo and Chie for the truth, Chie suddenly lies when she says "Uncle Mitsuo dropped Itsuki." Although Mitsuo makes a false confession in order to protect Chie, Itsuki's death is dealt as an accident for lack of evidence. Mitsuo gets isolated from the society, and devotes himself solely to prayers for Itsuki by sowing sunflower seeds. Also Chie is agitated to see Mitsuo sowing. The family has the misfortune to be broken up. Meanwhile, sunflower seeds are going to sprout quietly.

Here's a trailer I help cut with a Japanese independent filmmaker during a few sleepless nights. The story follows a family after the tragic and untimely death of their three year old daughter. The accident splits the family apart and when the uncle is blamed for her death he sets of sowing sunflower seeds across the countryside. It's a story about atonement, forgiveness and the life of Vincent van Gogh.

The story of the director, Yosuke Takeuchi, is equally as inspiring. Sometimes if takes five years of working nights at Kinkos and eating on the cheap to bring your first film to life. More to come.