New Movies: Hanami (2024) by Denise Fernandes

"Hanami (2025)": A Poetic Journey of Memory and Belonging on a Volcanic Isle

Description: Denise Fernandes's debut feature film, "Hanami," is a captivating and poetic coming-of-age drama set against the striking landscapes of Fogo, a volcanic island in Cape Verde. The film intimately follows Nana through three pivotal stages of her life, exploring themes of abandonment, memory, and the search for belonging as she grapples with the absence and eventual return of her mother. Blending reality and dreams, "Hanami" is a visually stunning and emotionally complex portrait of an inner journey shaped by a unique and powerful environment.

Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt29344907/

Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/465506/

About movie: https://www.morethan-films.com/hanami

Link to watch (professional screening): https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/hanami

Detailed Summary: Set on the remote and visually dramatic volcanic island of Fogo, "Hanami" tells the story of Nana across different periods of her young life. The narrative unfolds in three distinct chapters, beginning with Nana as a toddler shortly after her mother, Nia, unexpectedly leaves the island due to a mysterious illness. The second part finds Nana as a feverish child experiencing a surreal, almost magical-realist adventure at the foot of the volcano, a period marked by her ailing health and vivid imagination. Finally, the film portrays Nana as a teenager, carrying the lingering traces of her childhood experiences and memories, particularly those related to her mother's absence. Years later, Nia returns to the island, forcing Nana to confront the past and navigate a complicated reunion. The film explores the deep impact of familial separation and the complexities of their bond, set against the backdrop of an island community where leaving for opportunities abroad is common, creating a pervasive sense of diaspora and questioning of belonging for both those who leave and those who stay. Told with a sensitive and thoughtful style, "Hanami" utilizes the island's harsh yet tender natural beauty to reflect Nana's internal world, blurring the lines between the tangible and the dreamlike.

Plot Summary:

• The film follows Nana at three stages of her life on the island of Fogo, Cape Verde.

• Her mother, Nia, leaves the island due to illness when Nana is a toddler.

• Nana experiences a surreal adventure as a feverish child near the volcano.

• As a teenager, Nana carries the weight of her past memories and her mother's absence.

• Nia returns to the island, prompting a complex reunion with the teenage Nana.

• The narrative explores Nana's inner journey and her grappling with belonging.

The plot is a non-linear, episodic journey through a young woman's life, marked by key moments of separation and return.

Director's Vision: "Hanami" is the debut feature film from Swiss-Cape Verdean director Denise Fernandes, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Telmo Churro. Fernandes was born in Lisbon to Cape Verdean parents and raised in Switzerland, a background that deeply informs her exploration of diaspora and the feeling of being uprooted. Her vision for "Hanami" is to capture the profound idea that the human condition, with its mysteries and fragility, resonates across cultures and landscapes. The title itself, a Japanese word referring to the contemplation of cherry blossoms and their fleeting beauty, serves as a poetic metaphor for the themes of transience and lingering pain in the film, juxtaposed with Cape Verde's reality of recurrent droughts. Fernandes embraces a minimalist, thoughtful style, blending tangible reality with magical realism to reflect the mythical energy of the volcanic island and the intangible qualities of human experience. She aimed to convey a sense of timelessness and a slower pace, inspired by the rhythm of the sea, to contrast with the hurried pace of the Western world and reflect the insular reality of Fogo.

Themes:

• Coming-of-Age: The film centers on Nana's journey of growth and self-discovery across different stages of her life.

• Mother-Daughter Relationships: The complex bond between Nana and her mother, marked by absence, illness, and return, is a central theme.

• Diaspora and Belonging: The film explores the experience of the Cape Verdean diaspora and the questioning of belonging for both those who leave and those who remain on the island.

• Memory and the Past: Nana's journey is shaped by her childhood memories and the lingering impact of past events.

• Reality and Dreams: The film blends realistic portrayal with elements of magical realism, reflecting the subjective nature of experience and the mythical quality of the setting.

• Loss and Absence: The initial abandonment by her mother introduces themes of loss and the emotional void it creates.

• The Power of Place: The volcanic island of Fogo is more than just a backdrop; its unique landscape and energy are integral to the narrative and thematic exploration.

• Beauty and Transience: The poetic nature of the title "Hanami" underscores the film's engagement with the fleeting nature of beauty and the enduring impact of ephemeral moments.

Key Success Factors:

• Unique Cultural and Geographical Setting: The film's setting on the volcanic island of Fogo provides a visually stunning and culturally rich backdrop that is rarely seen in cinema.

• Poetic and Visually Striking Style: Denise Fernandes's approach, blending realism with magical realism and emphasizing the beauty of the landscape, creates a distinct and memorable cinematic experience.

• Compelling Coming-of-Age Story: The narrative of a young girl navigating loss, memory, and belonging is a universally relatable theme.

• Strong Festival Run and Awards Recognition: The film has been selected for numerous prestigious international film festivals and has won several awards, indicating strong critical acclaim and artistic merit.

• Exploration of Relevant Themes: The film's engagement with themes of diaspora, belonging, and the impact of familial separation resonates with contemporary global issues.

Summary Short: Set on a volcanic island in Cape Verde, "Hanami" is a poetic coming-of-age film by Denise Fernandes about a girl's journey through life, shaped by her mother's absence and return, blending reality and dreams.

Awards and Nominations: "Hanami (2025)" (often listed with a 2024 production year due to its premiere) has had a successful run on the international film festival circuit and has received several notable awards:

• Locarno Film Festival 2024: Winner of the Best Emerging Director Award (Filmmakers of the Present Competition) and a Special Mention in the First Feature Competition.

• Chicago International Film Festival 2024: Winner of the Roger Ebert Award (New Directors Competition).

• São Paulo International Film Festival 2024: Winner of the Best Fiction Film (New Directors Competition) and the Brada Award for Best Art Direction.

• Göteborg Film Festival 2025: Winner of the Ingmar Bergman Award for Best Debut Feature.

• IndieLisboa International Independent Film Festival 2025: Nominee for the Grand Prize City of Lisbon (National Competition).

• Luxembourg City Film Festival 2025: Nominee for the Grand Prix.

• The film has also screened at many other festivals, including Film Fest Gent, BFI London Film Festival, Seville European Film Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, Solothurn Film Days, Cartagena International Film Festival, and Seattle International Film Festival.

Critics Reception: "Hanami (2025)" has received very positive critical reception following its extensive screenings at international film festivals. Reviewers have largely praised its emotional depth, stunning visuals, and sensitive portrayal of its protagonist's journey.

• FilmBook: Describes "Hanami" as a film of "very emotionally complex nature" that "maturely examines themes of abandonment, parental love, illness, young independence and the bond between family members." It praises the performances of the lead actresses and Denise Fernandes's direction, calling her a "truly gifted filmmaker with great scope."

• Cineuropa: Highlights the film's poetic essence and how Fernandes "beautifully lingers on beauty and transience," finding it in both the Fogo landscape and the protagonist's inner journey.

• Film at Lincoln Center: Notes the film's "cinematic style of understated poetry and stirring oneirism" and how it explores the dilemma of leaving or staying on the island, while Nana navigates adolescence and her mother's absence.

Overall Critics Reception: The critical consensus from its festival run is overwhelmingly positive, recognizing "Hanami" as a powerful and moving debut that stands out for its artistic vision, emotional resonance, and unique cultural setting. The numerous awards it has received further solidify its strong critical standing.

Reviews: Reviews for "Hanami" consistently point to its strengths in visual storytelling, emotional depth, and the director's sensitive handling of complex themes.

• Key Praises: Reviewers have lauded the film's stunning cinematography, which captures the beauty and harshness of the Fogo landscape. The performances of the actresses portraying Nana at different ages have been described as earnest and heartfelt. The film's blend of reality and dreams, and its exploration of unspoken emotions through subtle details and body language, have also been highlighted as successful elements.

• Potential Criticisms: One review noted that the film's brevity might leave some loose ends, but this appears to be a minor point in the context of otherwise strong praise.

Overall Reviews: The available reviews indicate that "Hanami" is a critically acclaimed film that resonates with audiences through its poetic storytelling, powerful visuals, and emotionally honest portrayal of a young woman's journey.

Production: "Hanami (2025)" is a multi-country co-production involving Switzerland, Portugal, and Cape Verde. Key production companies include Alina Film and Ventura Film (Switzerland), and O Som e a Fúria (Portugal). RSI-Radiotelevisione Svizzera was also involved as a co-producer. The film was directed by Denise Fernandes and the screenplay was co-written by Fernandes and Telmo Churro. Filming took place on the island of Fogo, Cape Verde, capturing its unique volcanic landscape. The cinematography was handled by Alana Mejía González, contributing to the film's praised visual aesthetic. The film is notable for featuring dialogue in multiple languages, including Cape Verdean Creole, French, English, and Japanese.

Production Companies:

• Alina Film (Switzerland)

• O Som e a Fúria (Portugal)

• RSI-Radiotelevisione Svizzera (Switzerland)

• Ventura Film (Switzerland)

Sales Companies:

• MoreThan Films (Switzerland) - Handling worldwide sales for the film.

Distribution Companies:

• Cineworx GmbH Distribution (Switzerland) - Theatrical distributor in Switzerland.

• Pyramide Distribution (France) - Listed as a distributor in some sources, suggesting a potential French release.

• International distribution in other territories will be handled by companies that acquire the rights from MoreThan Films.

Release Date on Streaming: A specific streaming release date for "Hanami (2025)" is not yet widely available. Its availability on streaming platforms will likely follow its theatrical and festival runs and will depend on the distribution agreements in place in various territories.

Theatrical Release: "Hanami (2025)" had its world premiere at the Locarno Film Festival in August 2024. It had a theatrical release in Switzerland on March 19, 2025. It is expected to have theatrical releases in Portugal, France, and other countries in 2025 following its festival success and distribution deals. It has also been screened at numerous film festivals throughout late 2024 and early 2025.

Why to Recommend This Movie:

• Critically Acclaimed Debut: The film has been highly praised at major international film festivals and has won several awards, marking Denise Fernandes as a significant new directorial voice.

• Visually Stunning: The film's cinematography and the unique landscape of Fogo are consistently highlighted as major strengths.

• Emotionally Resonant Story: The coming-of-age narrative exploring themes of family, loss, and belonging is deeply moving and relatable.

• Unique Cultural Perspective: The film offers a rare cinematic glimpse into the lives and culture of Cape Verde, particularly the experience of those on the islands and the impact of diaspora.

• Poetic and Atmospheric: The blend of reality and dreams, and the film's thoughtful style, create a captivating and immersive viewing experience.

Why to Watch Movie:

• If You Appreciate Art-House and World Cinema: If you enjoy films that are artistically ambitious, visually beautiful, and offer insights into different cultures, "Hanami" is a must-see.

• To Discover a Talented New Director: Witness the impressive feature debut of Denise Fernandes, a director with a distinct vision and a powerful storytelling ability.

• For a Moving Coming-of-Age Story: If you are drawn to narratives about personal growth, family dynamics, and overcoming challenges, this film will resonate with you.

• To Experience the Beauty of Cape Verde: The film offers a stunning visual journey to the volcanic island of Fogo.

• Interested in Themes of Diaspora and Belonging: The film provides a nuanced exploration of these relevant and timely themes.

What Movie Trend film is Following: Emerging Voices in World Cinema / Personal and Culturally Specific Storytelling: "Hanami" aligns with the trend of film festivals and the industry highlighting new directors who tell personal and culturally specific stories that resonate with universal themes, often stemming from their own backgrounds and experiences of migration or bicultural identity. It also fits within the trend of films that explore the relationship between characters and their unique geographical environments.

What Big Social Trend is Following: The Global Experience of Migration and Diaspora: The film directly addresses the significant global social trend of migration and the resulting diaspora, exploring the emotional and psychological impact on individuals and communities, particularly the complex feelings of belonging and being uprooted.

Final Verdict: Denise Fernandes's "Hanami (2025)" is a remarkable and deeply affecting debut feature that has rightfully garnered significant attention and accolades on the international film festival circuit. Through its poetic storytelling, stunning cinematography, and sensitive portrayal of a young woman's journey on the unique volcanic island of Fogo, the film offers a powerful exploration of family, memory, and the complexities of belonging in a world shaped by migration. Fernandes establishes herself as a director with a distinct artistic voice and a profound understanding of the human condition. "Hanami" is a visually and emotionally rich film that resonates long after viewing, making it a must-watch for lovers of world cinema and those seeking stories that are both culturally specific and universally human.

Recommendations for Film Makers:

• Draw Inspiration from Personal and Cultural Backgrounds: Denise Fernandes's film demonstrates the power of telling stories that are rooted in one's own experiences and cultural heritage.

• Embrace Poetic and Visual Storytelling: The film's success highlights the impact of using visual language and a poetic sensibility to convey emotional and thematic depth.

• Utilize Unique Locations as Characters: The island of Fogo is integral to "Hanami," showcasing how a specific environment can become a vital element of the narrative.

• Focus on Character's Inner Journey: The film's strength lies in its intimate portrayal of Nana's emotional and psychological development.

Recommendations for Movie Industry:

• Continue to Champion Debut Directors from Diverse Backgrounds: The success of "Hanami" underscores the importance of supporting and promoting new voices in world cinema, particularly those from underrepresented regions.

• Invest in Films with Strong Festival Performance: The film's numerous awards and festival selections indicate its artistic quality and potential to connect with audiences.

• Promote Films Based on Their Thematic Relevance and Cultural Significance: Highlight films like "Hanami" that explore important social themes and offer unique cultural perspectives.

• Support the Distribution of Films with Multiple Languages: Recognize the value of films that reflect linguistic diversity and find ways to make them accessible to wider audiences.