Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle
Remote and mysterious, whether hostile or enticing, infernal microcosms or dreamed worlds, islands have long captivated the imaginations of filmmakers. By their very isolated nature, they often serve as metaphoric or literal settings of loss and introspection, inviting exploration and oblivion. Enclosed by water, they provide ideal backdrops for intimate dramas and intense adventures, their geography shaping the narrative. As many real-world islands face existential threats, we invite you to explore a few fictional isles where cinema has found its enchanting refuge along the shore.
Winner of the César Award for Best Original Screenplay in 2022
Recruited into a secret faction of the Japanese army and trained in guerrilla warfare, Private Onoda is sent to Lubang Island in the Philippines. Shortly afterwards, the war came to an end. But, convinced that it was nothing more than an American ruse, Onoda continued the guerrilla war with his men, entrenched in the heart of the island. For almost thirty years, he will remain in the jungle.
Arthur Harari
Arthur Harari is a French filmmaker, screenwriter, and actor. He started his career quietly as an actor before transitioning to directing and writing. He directed several short films from 2005 to 2013. His debut feature film, Dark Inclusion (2016), introduced Niels Schneider to audiences and earned Harari a nomination for the Lumière Award for Best Film. His second film, Onoda: 10,000 Nights in the Jungle (2021), won the Louis Delluc Prize and the César Award for Best Original Screenplay. Collaborating with his partner, director Justine Triet, he co-wrote two feature films, including the internationally acclaimed Anatomy of a Fall, which won the Palme d'Or at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Together, they also received the Golden Globe and the Academy Award for Best Screenplay.
