Miss Hokusai

90 minutes

Adapted from the graphic novel Sarusuberi by Hinako Sugiura. Tokyo, 1814. Versatile and stubborn visual artist Tetsuzo tirelessly works in in the garbage-loaded chaos of his house-atelier, assisted by his equally talented 23-year-old daughter O-Ei. She has contributed immensely to his fame. Very often she would paint instead of him, though uncredited. The film sketches a a lively portrayal of a free-spirited, utterly outspoken and hugely talented woman and artist, unfolding through the changing seasons: ‘We’re father and daughter; with two brushes and four chopsticks, we’ll get by anywhere.’ Tetsuzo became best known by one of his many names: Katsushika Hokusai. He would inspire a lot of artists, like Degas, Monet, Van Gogh, Klimt, Debussy, Baudelaire and Rainer Maria Rilke. His iconic wood cut The Great Wave off Kanagawa (1832) is still often on view in major exhibitions and popular in marketing campaigns and merchandizing.