Ice Cream Fever

Natsumi (YOSHIOKA Riho), an art school graduate who had struggled to find success in a design company, now works part-time at an ice cream shop in Shibuya, Tokyo. She becomes deeply captivated by regular customer and writer Saho (Serena Motola), sensing a fateful connection she can’t ignore. Natsumi’s younger co-worker, Takako (Utaha), observes her with complex emotions, witnessing Natsumi’s transformation. Meanwhile, Yu (MATSUMOTO Marika), a neighbour living near the ice cream shop, receives a sudden visit from her estranged 15-year-old niece, Miwa (MINAMI Kotona), who unexpectedly comes to live with her in search of her long-lost father. Yu is taken aback by this sudden change in her life, and Miwa’s presence awakens her painful memories.

Adapted from the short story Ice Cream Netsu by Akutagawa Prize-winning author KAWAKAMI Mieko (known for Heaven), this film weaves together intricate tales of women from different generations and their relationships and emotions. Making his directorial debut, CHIHARA Tetsuya, who made his name as an art director in advertising and fashion, infuses the film with quirky shots and vibrant colours, bringing a visually engaging cinematic experience.

アート・ディレクターの千原徹也が、川上未映子の短編小説「アイスクリーム熱」を基に初めてメガホンを取った作品。美大を卒業した菜摘はデザイン会社に就職するがうまくいかず、アイスクリーム屋でバイトをしている。デザイン業界へ戻るか悩む菜摘は、店を訪れた作家の佐保に運命的なものを感じ……。年代の違う女性たちの心の動きを追う切ないラブ・ストーリー。

(Special thanks to Eikoku News Digest)

Featuring a special guest appearance by director CHIHARA Tetsuya at select screenings:

– Jesus College, Cambridge (3 Feb)
– Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA), London (4 Feb) + Serena Motola
– Phoenix, Leicester (5 Feb) + Serena Motola
– Showroom Cinema, Sheffield (6 Feb) + Serena Motola