Mrs. Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful

2012 / 66 mins / US, Japan

Once in a long while, the life destiny of one woman lines up to make a radical shift for women around the world. In the summer of 2011, Keiko Fukuda broke through a glass ceiling for women when she was awarded the pinnacle of judo, the 10th degree (black belt).

Mrs. Judo: Be Strong, Be Gentle, Be Beautiful is the story of Keiko Fukuda, whose life commitment was to spread judo around the globe. The film offers a thematic exploration of profound shifts in Japanese society and the altered status of women on both sides of the Pacific, with a visual style that honors Fukuda’s motto, which is also the film’s subtitle. Fukuda explains the crux of judo – literally “way of gentleness” – is the flexibility to move with the energy of the moment.Fukuda’s life-long adventure is told through a special trip in 2009, when she was invited as an honored guest to at-tend the All-Japan Judo Tournament. Ironically, she was hosted and honored by the very organization that had held her back. Scenes from the trip cue moments from Fukuda’s rich 78-year career.

Crew

Director: Yuriko Gamo Romer
Cinematographer: Emily Taguchi-Klingensmith’s and Monica Lam
Consulting Editor Nathaniel Dorsky
Composer Mark Izu’s

Cast

Keiko Fukuda

Awards

San Francisco Asian American Festival
DC Asian Pacific American Film Festival
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival