On Wednesday, March 6th, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City hosted a screening of the groundbreaking documentary “Black Box Diaries,” directed by the courageous journalist Shiori Itō.
The event, part of MoMA’s Doc Fortnight series, captivated audiences with its raw portrayal of Itō’s journey through trauma, legal battles, and ultimately, a quest for justice.
The evening began at 7:00 pm with a screening of the film at MoMA’s Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 1, located at 11 W 53rd St. The documentary, which has garnered critical acclaim for its candid storytelling and emotional depth, provided viewers with an intimate look into Itō’s experience as a survivor of sexual assault in Japan.
“Black Box Diaries” is not merely a documentary; it is a testament to Itō’s steadfast determination to seek justice and healing. The film chronicles Itō’s 2017 court battle in real-time, shedding light on the emotional toll of the assault, the legal complexities of the case, and the societal barriers faced by survivors of abuse.
From courtroom dramas to poignant video diary entries, Itō unflinchingly confronts the trauma of her assault while navigating a legal system that often fails survivors. Through her lens as both a victim and a journalist, Itō exposes the shortcomings of Japan’s legal system and challenges social norms that perpetuate silence and shame.
In the documentary, Shiori Itō vividly illustrates the mishandling of her case, initially dismissed by police citing insufficient evidence for prosecution. The film derives its title from the lead investigator’s recurrent characterization of the case as a “black box,” symbolizing the mystery surrounding the details of the incident. However, as the narrative unfolds, substantial evidence surfaces, and Itō forges an unexpected alliance with a police officer, pivotal to her quest for justice. A collective sigh of relief permeates the audience as newfound evidence strengthens her case and garners increased support, exemplified by a courageous hotel worker’s vow to testify despite potential repercussions. This pivotal moment reverberates through the theater, underscoring its significance in piecing together the puzzle of Itō’s ordeal.
The screening was followed by a Q&A session with director Shiori Itō, providing audiences with an opportunity to engage directly with the filmmaker. She graciously thanked the attendees for coming to her film, despite the stormy weather outside. She expressed her gratitude for the great turnout at her first-ever screening event. The attendees, now newfound fans, expressed their admiration for Itō’s bravery and applauded her for bringing attention to the issue of sexual assault in Japan.
During the discussion, Itō revealed that her case had pushed the Japanese government to reevaluate its approach to sexual assault, leading to changes in laws regarding the age of consent (from age 13 to 15) and the reporting of assaults by males. Despite facing criticism and opposition, Itō’s unwavering advocacy has sparked an impactful conversation and paved the way for progress.
As the evening concluded, Itō announced her plans to continue screening “Black Box Diaries” at upcoming events, including the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival. While the film has yet to be released in Japan, Itō’s journey serves as a beacon of hope for survivors and advocates worldwide.
