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- Published: February 10, 2025 16:11
The Day the Sun Fell OTT Release: The Day the Sun Fell is a Swiss-Japanese documentary directed by Aya Domenig. The film explores the long-term effects of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima through personal and historical perspectives.
The documentary combines archival footage, interviews, and personal reflections to highlight the ongoing struggles of hibakusha (atomic bomb survivors). Reflecting the impact of nuclear disasters, including parallels to the Fukushima nuclear accident.
The series’ cast features Aya Domenig, Kiyomi Doi Shigeru Doi, and Sumiko Miyahara in lead roles. The Day The Sun Fell is set to premiere on the Iwonder channel on Amazon Prime Video. The premiere date is 12th February 2025.
Plot
The film intertwines the past and present by exploring the impact of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima through the lens of both survivors (hibakusha) and the filmmaker’s own family history.
Domenig’s grandfather was a young doctor in Hiroshima when the bomb was dropped on August 6, 1945. Though he rarely spoke about his experiences, he was one of the many medical professionals who treated the wounded in the chaotic aftermath.
The director is driven by a desire to understand his story. And she embarks on a journey to uncover the personal and collective trauma left behind by the bombing.
The documentary follows Domenig as she interviews Hibakusha who, like her grandfather, were medical professionals during the bombing. They share haunting testimonies of treating the injured while grappling with the immense devastation around them. Through these conversations, the film paints a harrowing picture of survival, loss, and resilience.
In addition to looking at the past, The Day the Sun Fell draws connections to the present by addressing the Fukushima nuclear disaster of 2011. Survivors of Hiroshima express their concerns about nuclear energy, emphasizing how history seems to be repeating itself. This parallel raises questions about the ethics of nuclear power and the lasting consequences of radiation exposure.
The film blends archival footage, intimate interviews, and poetic cinematography to create a powerful and reflective narrative. Rather than focusing on political debates, it highlights the human cost of nuclear tragedies, making it a moving and thought-provoking experience.