The film of the Longinotto & Williams duo provides us with a fascinating insight into the world of physically and mentally exhausting training regime of Japanese female wrestlers, who eagerly want to become a part of the prestigious and respected world of Gaea girls. It is a local version of the World Wrestlers Organization. Its attractive costumes and dramatic way of fighting make it a low-budget version of Western-style wrestling. So, forget about poetic motions of Eastern martial arts and everything you know about sumo wrestlers. The cameras are taking us to a stern Gaea training camp, where we are introduced to several girls: Wakabayashi, who ran away after the first visit; Sato, a 16-year old who was waiting for three years to be admitted in the ranks of Gaea; Nagay Chigusu, an experienced fighter and merciless camp leader...
Kim Longinotto
Kim Longinotto, born 1952, is a British documentary filmmaker, renowned internationally for her compelling human portraits and her sensitive and compassionate treatment of unknown topics. She studied camera and directing at the National Film and Television School in Beaconsfield, England, where she now tutors occasionally. Since 1976 she has directed, filmed and produced around 20 films. She is best known for known for her films Salma (2013), Sisters in Law (2005), The Day I Will Never Forget (2002) and Gaea Girls (2000) that won many awards at international festivals like Cannes, Sundance, IDFA and many other.ZagrebDox has screend many of her films in its various programs.
Jano Williams
Jano Williams is a director, producer and screenwriter. Together with Kim Longinotto, she made a few acclaimed and well-known documentaries, such as ‘Gaea Girls’ (2000), ‘Shinjuku Boys’ (1995), ‘Dream Girls’ (1994), ‘Eat the Kimono’ (1989).
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Gaea Girls
Great Britain, Japan
2000, 106', color, 35 mm
Directed by:
Kim Longinotto, Jano Williams
Screenplay by:
Kim Longinotto, Jano Williams
Cinematography:
Kim Longinotto
Edited by:
Brian Tagg
Producers:
Vixen Films, Kim Longinotto, Jano Williams
