Push Pause

During the time when the pandemic disrupted our usual lives and brought about a temporary standstill, the owners and guests of the charming guesthouse Coco in Tokyo also experienced an interruption of their routine. Not entirely unwelcome, this pause offered them a chance to slow down, catch their breath, and reflect. The simple yet warm boutique hotel, run by Utake, Hirokumi, and Izumi, currently hosts only a few guests. One of them, Tamotsu, is likely to lose his job and faces an uncertain future. Xiaolu, a Chinese woman, has come to Tokyo to turn her love of anime and manga into a career, but her ambitions are now being questioned. Young Utake, too, is burdened by family problems after her mother’s death. All of them find refuge and an anchor in the guesthouse Coco. With dedication, the hotel staff strives to attend to the daily stories of their residents, offering them comfort and perspectives for navigating the uncertain times ahead. At the same time, they realize how much they themselves benefit from the mutual support.

With his debut film, director Ryōma KOSASA has crafted a heartfelt portrait of a community shaped by mutual care and support. His actors bring this gentle tone convincingly to life, especially this year’s breakout star, Nairu YAMAMOTO. Not only will she appear in two other films at this year’s Japannual (Super Happy Forever and Inch Forward), but she will also grace our festival with her personal presence as a guest. Yūgo MIKAWA, who played a major role in last year’s opening film Mondays, also stars. Push Pause had its premiere at the Warsaw Film Festival.