Living in Two Worlds

US Premiere

Official Selection, 2025 BFI London Film Festival

Dai Igarashi (Ryo Yoshizawa) just wants to blend in and lead an “ordinary” life. As a Child of Deaf Adults (CODA) in a small town in Miyagi, he is the bridge between his parents (brought to life by Deaf actors Akiko Oshidari and Akito Imai) and the often unsympathetic world around them, including his grandparents and neighbors, none of whom bothered to learn any sign language. When it’s just Dai and his parents, they are pretty much an ordinary loving family.

Dai may have once enjoyed signing with his mom, but as an adolescent, his embarrassment and desire for “normalcy” push him to distance himself from his CODA identity. And yet, after a move to Tokyo brings surprising loneliness, he finds solace in a sign language meetup group, where new friends help him navigate the nuances of Deaf culture and gain a fresh perspective on his parents. Oshidari shines in her performance as a mother who does her best to be supportive of her hearing son despite being severely underestimated by her parents and other hearing people.

Directed by Mipo O (Being Good, SDAFF ’15), this blend of slice-of-life drama and heartfelt family saga explores tensions between personal aspirations and familial obligations, Deaf and hearing worlds, and balancing individuality with belonging.

– Wilda Wong