Gaea Girls/Shinjuku Boys Boxshot
Gaea Girls/Shinjuku Boys
UK, 2000 / 1995
Length / Gaea Girls: 99 minutes
Length / Shinjuku Boys: 53 minutes
Sound: Original stereo (restored)
Colour
OAR / Gaea Girls: 1.78:1 Anamorphic 16:9
OAR / Shinjuku Boys: 1.33:1 Full frame
Language: Japanese
Subtitles: English (fixed)
PAL DVD9 
Region 0
RRP: £12.99
buyRelease Date: 25th January 2010
Second Run DVD 044
Kim Longinotto is renowned for creating extraordinarily intimate portraits of women on the fringes of society, tackling controversial topics with sensitivity and compassion. These two films are gripping explorations of the perceptions and complexities of female sexuality in modern Japan.

Gaea Girls follows the gruelling training regime of a group of Japanese professional women wrestlers. Featuring the legendary Chigusa Nagayo, it is a fascinating account of a closely-guarded universe in a country where women are considered docile and subservient.

The Shinjuku Boys are three 'onnabe' - Japanese women who live as men - working as hosts at a Tokyo nightclub for women clients. Filmed at home and at work, they speak frankly about their lives, their hopes and their sexuality.

more about the film

Gaea Girls / Shinjuku Boys Stills
Special Features
• Special edition 2 x Film, optimal quality dual-layer disc.
• Digitally re-mastered with restored picture and sound.
• Booklet featuring a new essay by author/critic Sophie Mayer and reflections on the films by co-director Jano Williams.
• Available for the first time together on DVD.


Crew
Gaea Girls

A film by Kim Longinotto and Jano Williams

Camera - Kim Longinotto
Sound - Mary Milton
Production Manager - Noriko Takehara
Film Editor - Brian Tagg
On-Line Editor - Clive Mattock
Assistant Producer - Moby Longinotto

Shinjuku Boys

A film by Kim Longinotto and Jano Williams

Camera - Kim Longinotto
Sound - Rosie Straker, Simmy Claire
Production Manager - Noriko Takehara
Production Assistant - Moby Longinotto
Editor - John Mister
Assistant Editing - Lizzie Lemon, Moby Longinotto
Narration - Shuko Noguchi


Appreciation
Gaea Girls
“Like 'Divorce Iranian Style' it smashes preconceptions about the women it depicts, transcending its subject in the process” Toronto Film Festival

“Longinotto and Williams' ability to penetrate facades is remarkable. The filmmakers build their story in a way that's more compelling and suspenseful than many narrative films” Chicago Film Festival

Shinjuku Boys
“A fantastic documentary...The subjects are both intelligent and erudite” Simon Hunt, Sydney Star

“...extraordinarily brave and honest, presenting issues commonly regarded as taboo and avoiding any pat answers” Lesley Parkinson, Japan Times

Awards:
Gaea Girls
2000 Edinburgh International Film Festival / Winner - Best of Festival Section
2000 Chicago International Film Festival / Winner - Silver Hugo


Shinjuku Boys
1995 Chicago Film Festival / Winner - Silver Hugo
1995 Houston Film Festival / Winner - Gold Prize
1995 SF Lesbian and Gay Film Festival / Winner - Outstanding Documentary


Related Titles
Kim Longinotto’s acclaimed documentaries Divorce Iranian Style / Runaway are also available on Second Run DVD films:

Divorce Iranian Style / Runaway
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