Toxic Pigs of Fukushima

"The Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 triggered a tsunami, nuclear meltdown and mass evacuations in Fukushima Prefecture. Today, as part of a Government push to encourage resettlement, local hunters have been enlisted to dispose of radiated Wild Boars that now roam the abandoned streets and buildings. This short film follows a lone hunter into an isolated and changed landscape. Along the way, other citizens who still live near the reactor share their perspectives on the aftermath".

So explains the synopsis for 'Toxic Pigs of Fukushima', a documentary shot by director Otto Bell and released in 2020. Otto Bell was inspired by the photography of Toru Hanai and Yuki Iwanami, both co-producers of the short film. Take a look at a trailer and some of the Hanai and Iwanami's photography

Photography by Toru Hanai

Also read an interview of Otto Bell and Simon Niblett, the film's cinematographer, in Variety magazine. Amongst other topics, here they discuss the challenges of filming wild boar and the aesthetics of the Fukushima shoot.