Ainu: Paths to Memory

Ethnographic Film Series

Organised by SOAS Department of Anthropology & Sociology in conjunction with Royal Anthropological Institute

Wednesday 2 March 1pm, Khalili Lecture Theatre, Lower Ground Floor, Main Building, SOAS

Ainu: Paths to Memory, Marcos Centano, 2014, 82 mins

The film sets out to discover the Ainu, the indigenous people of Japan. The film shows a people erased from history books and scarred by discrimination, whose origins and language are still a mystery. The tour along the pathways to memory reveals an uncertain destiny; the growing interest in the preservation of Ainu culture clashes with a reality of marginalisation which reduces it to mere museum pieces. The repeated sentence “I am Ainu” expresses a willingness of overcoming their marginal circumstances and recovery of their pride. But the awakening of the Ainu people faces the mercantilist logic of a global world. Unavoidably, doubt comes to mind, what does being Ainu mean today? Q and A with the filmmaker, Marcos Centana (SOAS), will follow the screening.

For further information on the films please contact: RAI Film Officer, Caterina Sartori, film@therai.org.uk

All are welcome, booking not required.

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