Instruments of a Beating Heart

dir. Ema Ryan Yamazaki/USA, Japan/23/23 min.

First graders in a Tokyo public elementary school are presented with a challenge for the final semester: to form an orchestra and perform “Ode to Joy” at a school ceremony. “Instruments of a Beating Heart” examines the Japanese educational system’s tenuous balance between self-sacrifice and personal growth as it teaches the next generation to become part of society.

HIDE

projection time:

23 min.
country/year:

USA, Japan /23
director:

Ema Ryan Yamazaki
original language of the film:

Japanese
pictures:

Kazuki Kakurai
editor:

Mizuki Toriya
production:

Eric Nyari / Cineric Creative
festivals and awards:

2024 – DC/DOX FF, 2025 – Oscars®: Best Documentary Short Film (nomination), 2024 – IDA Awards, Best Documentary Short Film (Winner), 2025 - Millennium Docs Against Gravity: European Premiere

sections:

Shorts Competition
competitions:

Warsaw Documentary Award Best Short Film Award
tags:

Far East growing up education music psychology