Umi Ishihara's 'Nocturnal Animals' Have Escaped the Strip Club

SummaryUmi Ishihara’s 'Nocturnal Melody' follows two Tokyo dancers, Eri and Catalina, exploring nightlife, labor, identity and belonging.Inspired by Japan’s wild bear reports, Ishihara uses “nocturnal animals” as symbols for people pushed to society’s margins.The film balances discrimination and instability with joy, solidarity and community, extending into parties and live events around the exhibition.Words by Gabrielle LeungEri grins at the screen, ticking off the things she cares most about w...