Mita Dances

In the heartfelt drama Mita Dances (2020), we follow the journey of Mita (Amane Okayama), a young man who, after failing to fulfill his dream of becoming a videographer in the bustling city of Tokyo, returns to his quiet hometown. Now employed in the tourism division at city hall, Mita finds himself at a crossroads, grappling with disappointment and the weight of unfulfilled aspirations. When the town chief, Maruyama (Yuichi Nakamura), tasks him with revitalizing the struggling town within a mere two weeks, Mita is propelled into action, determined to create a captivating promotional video that showcases the beauty and charm of his community.

Alongside him is Manabe (Rena Takeda), a spirited colleague who becomes both a partner in his creative endeavor and a source of inspiration. As they work together, Mita begins to rediscover not only the cultural richness of his hometown but also his own passion for storytelling through film. The film beautifully explores themes of ambition, belonging, and the importance of community, capturing the essence of small-town life while portraying Mita’s internal struggle with identity and purpose. With its touching narrative and relatable characters, Mita Dances offers a poignant reflection on the pursuit of dreams and the unexpected paths that lead us back to our roots. The film resonates with anyone who has ever faced setbacks yet yearns to find their place in the world.