NYC PREMIERE A new breed of sumo wrestlers trains in Master Sakaigawa’s Tokyo stable. The power, technique, and humanity of his pupils are on display as they take on both a centuries-old cultural tradition and a life-changing physical burden in their quest to become yokozuna. Lush cinematography frames the extraordinary athletes in this intimate survey of Japan’s national sport. – Brandon Harrison
The first screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Erik Shirai and producer Carolyn Hepburn.
All in-person screening venues provide sound amplification headphones upon request with venue management. IFC Center can also provide a T-Coil loop for compatible devices.
Director: Erik Shirai
Producer: Teddy Leifer, Sam Stanley, Sigrid Dyekjaer, Yusuke Kamata, Erik Shirai, Carolyn Hepburn
Executive Producer: Heather Anderson, Marsha Cooke, Brian Lockhart, Burke Magnus
Cinematographer: Hiroshi Hara, Erik Shirai
Editor: Frederick Shanahan
Composer: Rutger Hoedemaekers
Language: Japanese, Mongolian
Year: 2026