"Dozens of Norths" is the much-anticipated first feature-length film by acclaimed animator Koji Yamamura who is known for his numerous short-form works such as the Oscar-nominated “Mt. Head” (2002). His bleak, existential, yet, darkly humorous worldview is presented in its uncompromised glory through his signature hand-drawn animations accompanied by concrete sound design and music by Willem Breuker (1944-2010).

The rich, dialogue-less vignettes depicting desolate and nightmarish landscapes that compose the film also appear nostalgic and endearing under Yamamura's magic. The basis of the film is a series of illustrations and texts that Yamamura had created in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011—a catastrophe that had deeply affected him. The film elevates modern-day suffering caused by real-life events into a mythical and universal dimension and the absurdities and tragedies of human existence are told with injections of hope.

Like the screen in a dark theater, the film finds light even in the darkest of spaces.

Aiko Masubuchi