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Catalogue

Tokyo Girls

Penelope Buitenhuis
2000 | 57 min
This feature documentary is a candid journey into the world of 4 young Canadian women who work as well-paid hostesses in exclusive Japanese nightclubs. Lured by adventure and easy money, these modern-day geisha find themselves caught up in the mizu shobai—the complex "floating water world" of Tokyo clubs and bars. Drawn by fast money, some women become consumed by the lavish lifestyle and forget why they came; one hostess calls this "losing the plot." With a pulsating visual style, Tokyo Girls captures the raw energy of urban Japan and its fascination with the new.

Awards and distinctions

  • Gemini Award for Best Picture Editing in a Documentary
    Gemini Awards, Toronto
    2001
  • Gemini Award for Best Photography in a Documentary
    Gemini Awards, Toronto
    2001
  • Bronze Plaque Award - Category: Social Issues
    International Film and Video Festival, Columbus
    2001
  • Award for Musical Score
    Leo Award, Vancouver
    2001
  • Award for Best Cinematography
    Leo Award, Vancouver
    2001