// Presented as part of July's American Indie III Series //

Christopher Makoto Yogi / 2018, Rotterdam, Bilbao, Hawaii, IndieLisboa, IndieMemphis, Kerala, Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, Maryland, Sarasota, San Diego Asian Film Festival, TaoYuan, Warsaw, Zinebe 60 / 75'

After nearly a decade, Alex, a musician, arrives on the Big Island of Hawai'i with no more than a suitcase and his saxophone in tow. Returning to his grandmother's home, he encounters only a building site; inquiring at the local post office, no one seems to know the whereabouts of his family. Alex's mother suggests he stay at a Buddhist bed and breakfast down the road. Soon Alex has formed a friendship with Akiko, the establishment's ebullient, elderly proprietor, that leads him to unexpected places.

Imbued with converging rhythms of free jazz, meditation bells, and enveloping sounds of nature, August at Akiko's reflects on the meaning of family, memory, heritage, and home. Christopher Makoto Yogi's debut film premiered at Rotterdam, Warsaw; IndieMemphis, where it won a Special Jury Award; and Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, where it won Best Cinematography. August at Akiko's was named among Richard Brody's Best Movies of 2019.