Instruments of a Beating Heart
| Instruments of a Beating Heart | |
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 Promotional poster | |
| Directed by | Ema Ryan Yamazaki |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | Ayame |
| Cinematography | Kazuki Kakurai |
| Edited by | Mizuki Toriya |
| Music by | Päivi Takala |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | |
Release date |
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Running time | 23 minutes |
| Country |
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Instruments of a Beating Heart is a 2024 short Japanese documentary film directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki.[1] The film documents the challenge presented to the first graders in a Tokyo public elementary school of performing "Ode to Joy" at the ceremony for the new incoming first graders, as their assignment for the final semester.[2]
It had its world premiere on June 14, 2024, in the Shorts Program: One-of-a-Kind of DC/DOX Film Festival 2024.[3][4] On December 5, 2024, the film was awarded Best Short Documentary at the 40th IDA Documentary Awards. On January 23, 2025, it was nominated for the Best Documentary Short Film at the 97th Academy Awards.[5]
Summary
[edit]The documentary follows Ayame, a schoolgirl eager to participate in a group performance of Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" to welcome new first graders. Encouraged by the teacher to think beyond herself, Ayame wins the cymbal role in the audition. However, a lack of dedication to her task leads to mistakes during rehearsals, prompting the teacher to emphasize the importance of harmony and diligence. Following a reprimand during practice, Ayame loses confidence. Classmates and teachers offer encouragement and support, leading her to rejoin the group and become a part of its eventual success.
Cast
[edit]- Teachers and students of Tokyo public elementary school
Release
[edit]It had its International Premiere on June 21, 2024, in the Shorts –3 of Doc Edge Film Festival 2024.[6][7]
It had its Midwest premiere at the Indy Shorts Film Festival on 25 July 2024 in Music.[8]
The film was made available for streaming on November 18, 2024 via YouTube and The New York Times Op-Docs.[9]
The film was showcased at the Doc NYC on November 15, 2024, in the Shorts Human Spirit programme.[10][11]
Accolades
[edit]| Award | Date of ceremony | Category | Recipient(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Documentary Association Awards | 5 December 2024 | Best Short Documentary | Instruments of a Beating Heart | Won | [12] |
| Cinema Eye Honors | January 9, 2025 | Outstanding Non-Fiction Short | Shortlisted | [13] | |
| Academy Awards | March 2, 2025 | Best Documentary Short Film | Ema Ryan Yamazaki and Eric Nyari | Pending | [5][14] |
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Instruments of a Beating Heart". DC/DOX Film Festival. May 1, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ Carey, Matthew (December 2, 2024). "Director Ema Ryan Yamazaki On Her Oscar Contender 'Instruments Of A Beating Heart': Film Reveals "How A Japanese Person Is Made"". Deadline. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ "Shorts Program: One-of-a-Kind: Instruments of a Beating Heart". DC/DOX Film Festival. June 14, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ Morfoot, Addie (May 1, 2024). "DC/Dox Film Festival Unveils Second Annual Lineup (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ a b "The 97th Academy Awards | (2025)". Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Shorts 3: Instruments of a Beating Heart". Doc Edge. June 21, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ "Instruments of a Beating Heart". Doc Edge. June 21, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ "Music: Instruments of a Beating Heart". Indy Shorts Film Festival. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ Norget, Susan (November 19, 2024). "The New York Times Op-Docs Debuts 'Instruments of a Beating Heart'". The New York Times. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ "Shorts program Human Spirit". Doc NYC. November 15, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ "Instruments of a Beating Heart". Doc NYC. November 15, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ "Op-Docs Takes Home International Documentary Award", New York Times, December 10, 2024, archived from the original on December 16, 2024, retrieved December 16, 2024
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (November 14, 2024). "Cinema Eye Honors Film Nominations: 'Sugarcane' Leads With Six; Four Docs Tied With Five Apiece". Deadline. Retrieved January 24, 2025.
- ^ Lewis, Hilary (January 23, 2025). "Oscars: Full List of Nominees". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved January 24, 2025.