A genuine wonder about the discovery- and more importantly active creation- of a community, all revolving around this ramen shop. A display of how much of an impact one man and one place can make on people. It's easy to forget that little diner or ice cream shop you take for granted yet is such a vital part of your day-to-day is the life's work of someone. Seeing the process of making all the food and the tactility of the other activities he participates in just touches those simple pleasure centers of your brain in that effortless way. And as much as Ueda-san gives everyone a tangible piece of home with his food, they give a piece of themselves too.

The kind of story that makes you grateful to be alongside other human beings, inspiring to do your own part in creating an ecosystem of people whose existence benefits one another. As corny as it sounds, it's the kind of thing that makes me happy to be alive

2021 Hawaii Film Festival Film #1