Cold Open · Essay · dec 10, 2024

Shiori Ito on Black Box Diaries (2024)

Content note: this episode includes discussion of sexual violence. Shiori Ito's Black Box Diaries is one of the most courageous acts of filmmaking in recent memory: a first-person documentary about her own assault by media figure Noriyuki Yamaguchi, made in a culture where speaking publicly about sexual violence carries consequences most people would not accept. In conversation with Elliot, Ito reflects on her decision to film rather than simply testify, on what the camera allows you to say that words alone cannot.

Film Journalist · Celebrating Cinema

Trigger warning: Please be advised that this episode includes discussions about sexual violence.

In this powerful episode, host Elliot sits down with Shiori Ito to discuss her film debut, Black Box Diaries. The documentary is a firsthand account of Shiori’s harrowing experience of sexual violence by media mogul Noriyuki Yamaguchi, a man with ties to Japan’s political elite, including former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Shiori’s decision to speak out in a culture where sexual assault is often silenced sparked a movement that resonated far beyond her personal story.

Through Shiori’s unwavering resolve, Black Box Diaries critiques Japan’s archaic laws surrounding sexual violence, which often leave survivors with little recourse for justice. The film transcends its role as an exposé, offering a deeply personal narrative of trauma, healing, and resilience. Shiori’s journey of reclaiming her voice and confronting systemic patriarchy underscores the power of solidarity in the pursuit of truth.

In this intimate conversation, Shiori reflects on the emotional toll of her fight, the necessity of breaking the silence surrounding sexual violence, and the broader societal forces that shield perpetrators from accountability. Join us for a discussion on courage, justice, and the transformative power of speaking out.

Book tickets to Black Box Diaries

Book tickets to CC Film Club: One From The Heart

FILMS MENTIONED

  • Black Box Diaries (Shiori Ito, 2024)
  • My Neighbour Totoro (Hayao Miyazaki, 1988)

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