Japan Premiere

The beautiful landscape and traditional customs of a seaside town in the south of Thailand inform the setting and form a backdrop for a tentative romance between Shati, a local Muslim woman from a conservative family eager to marry her off, and Fon, an outgoing activist-turned-visual artist who has returned to the area to put on an exhibition of her work. As Shati guides Fon around the hills and beaches, they discuss environmental issues, share past experiences, and discover a mutual attraction. However, same-sex relationships aren’t easily accepted. Torn between duty and desire, Shati must choose which path to follow to forge her own identity. As a critical point approaches, Shati is reminded of the old cautionary tales from her childhood told by her late and beloved grandmother as they begin to resonate with her life. [Jason MAHER]