This Partner Label release is distributed through Vinegar Syndrome's sister company OCN Distribution. Vinegar Syndrome had no part in, nor are responsible for, the restoration, extras, quality control or any content(s) of this release. We hope you enjoy our growing roster of Partner Labels and the expertise and curation brought to each release by their dedicated staff!
Details
This special limited edition slipcover (designed by Dylan Haley) is limited to 1,000 units and is only available on our website and at select indie retailers. Absolutely no major retailers will be stocking them.
Named after Yasujiro Ozu’s custom-made, tatami-level, crab-like tripod, Kani is a new home video label dedicated to leveling the gaze and furthering the understanding of Asian cinema in North America. Focused on genre-defying films, Kani aims to expand the canon, bolster up-and-coming filmmakers and reintroduce repertory classics in context. Vinegar Syndrome’s sister company, OCN Distribution, is thrilled to be representing this diverse and unique home video line!
21-year-old Kana (rising star Yuumi Kawai) works a disaffected job at a beauty salon, where she bristles against the beauty expectations placed on women her age. Her erratic mood and default to self-destruct impacts all of her relationships, as moments of levity erupt into violence and optimism simmers to despair. Bored with her slavish boyfriend, she finds another; the novel excitement of it all soon devolving into a volatile predicament. Uncommitted and trapped in her own life, Kana slowly makes her way towards the inner desert of her emotions.
Alternating between claustrophobic blocking, ample zooms and expressive whip-pans brought together by dryly comedic editing and an intense actor’s direction, the sophomore effort from director Yoko Yamanaka (the youngest filmmaker to have a film selected at the Berlin International Film Festival with her 2017 debut Amiko) provides a frank and dynamic examination of womanhood and mental health in contemporary Japan. Inspired by the female protagonists of Yasuzo Masumura as much as the intense Cassavetes/Rowlands collaboration, Yamanaka breaks out with a work of stark confrontational honesty.
“Yoko Yamanaka's Desert of Namibia is profoundly affecting; imbued with a calm, introverted cruelty; like a girl without a home standing on any Tokyo street corner saying to the world, ‘I don't understand!’” – Lou Ye (Suzhou River)
"Yamanaka’s film defies cliché by depicting an unpleasant side of girlhood that many would prefer to deny exists." - Ariana King, Far-Near
"With Desert of Namibia, Yoko Yamanaka creates a heroine for our thoroughly addled times." Lisa Wong Macabasco, Vogue
"Desert of Namibia is a somewhat unclassifiable film, but it’s deeply felt, defiant, embodied – female." - Blake Simons, IndieWire
directed by: Yoko Yamanaka starring: Yuumi Kawaii, Daichi Kaneko, Kanichiro, Erika Karata 2024 / 137 min / 1.33:1 / Japanese DTS-HD MA 5.1
Additional info:
Region A Blu-ray
High Definition presentation
Theatrical Trailer
Interview with director Yoko Yamanaka (2025)
Panel discussion with director Yoko Yamanaka and actor Yuumi Kawaii (2024)
Audio Commentary with director Yoko Yamanaka and actors Yuumi Kawaii, Daichi Kaneko, and Kanichiro
Featurette "Yoko in NYC" (Aaron Hunt, 2025)
Q&A with director Yoko Yamanaka at MOMI First Look (2025)
Booklet with on-set photographs and new writing from critic Katherine Connell
"Gorgeous release from Kani. Love the slip and really enjoyed the film"
— John D. (5/5)
Sometimes you don't need to
"Sometimes you don't need to blame things on a mental illness. Sometimes you're just a self-centered, obnoxious sack of shit to everyone around you that makes for a rambling, pointless, overlong slog when someone tells your story."
— Dustin B. (2/5)
Alienation of Youth
"This film was a brutal look at the alienation of youth told through a coming of age story for a young woman who is trying to discover herself and how she fits in to the world. The main character is very mercurial, as she changes moods quickly, as she navigates an uncaring landscape. She also has trouble keeping a healthy relationship, as she does not seem to be able to get along successfully with her boyfriend. Her inability to control her own destiny leads to a diagnosis of a mental disorder, which may actually have some merit. But more likely, she is just an angst filled young woman who does not know how to fit in anywhere, and she does not even know her true self. It is ultimately a chaotic ride as she tries to discover herself, and it is an enjoyable watch to see her try to figure it all out."
— Christopher K. (5/5)
Yuumi Kawai rocks! I really
"Yuumi Kawai rocks! I really enjoyed this more than I should have. It's like a Cassavetes flick almost. Happy I bought this one. Lots of nice extras too."
— Bryan K. (5/5)
Contemporary Japanese drama
"An excellent psychological drama. Recommended!"
— MR H. (5/5)
Thank you Kani
"This movie is amazing and I was lucky enough to see it at a local theatre, and begged for this release on Instagram daily !"
— Bishop M. (5/5)
Great film!
"21-year-old Satsuki swaps boyfriends frequently, unconcerned with career or societal norms. Her unpredictable behavior leads to a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder, as she navigates a rigid, patriarchal society."
— Sebastian V. (5/5)
Really excellent
"Yuumi Kawai right before she exploded! Very exciting to have more dramas and other genres released. I love action and horror as much as anyone but it's nice to see the diversity of film (especially international) make it's way here."
— Michael G. (5/5)
Great
"Enjoyed this one, great edition"
— Gary J. (4/5)
Q&A
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