That is the thing about the present, Emily Prime. You only appreciate it when it is the past.

Emily 

Aftersunettes old and new gathered in our new venue in Ntinda where we embarked on a journey of simplicity and depth with Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days and Don Hertzfeldt’s World of Tomorrow. 

In tune with our theme, “Time Well Spent,” Kerry guided the gang through a meditation session to help us all ground ourselves before our trip to outer space and Tokyo.

Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days transports us into the life of Hirayama, a Tokyo toilet cleaner whose days are filled with seemingly mundane routines: cleaning, listening to music, reading, and observing the world around him. Wenders’ lens invites us to see these everyday tasks through Hirayama’s eyes, where each act is a quiet ritual, performed with care and attention.

Hirayama’s life is defined by simplicity, yet in that simplicity lies a profound contentment. He finds beauty in the ordinary—a fleeting sunrise, the feel of water, the calm of a library, or the rhythm of a favourite song. which prompted the club to dissect the concept of success. What does it look like? in true Aftersun fashion, the conversation grew in stature, fed by the amazing insights of the club members.

Ultimately, the consensus is that the film teaches us that contentment doesn’t necessarily come from achieving grand ambitions or accumulating wealth… alone. Instead, it can be found in embracing the present, noticing the small wonders of life, and creating moments of peace and fulfilment within ourselves.

Through Hirayama, Wenders reminds us that contentment can be cultivated by simply being present in our surroundings and honouring the small moments that make up our days. In today’s world, where we’re often driven to chase after more—more possessions, more experiences, more success—Perfect Days suggests that perhaps “enough” is found in appreciating what we already have, today–now.

Next time is next time. Now is now.

Paired with Perfect Days, Don Hertzfeldt’s animated short World of Tomorrow brings a thought-provoking, futuristic contrast. The film follows a young girl, Emily, who meets her future clone—a version of herself that has experienced immense technological advances but is burdened by memories and a lingering disconnect from the present. Hertzfeldt’s film is fast-paced, philosophical, and filled with dark humour, presenting a vision of humanity’s future that feels achingly relevant. Through Emily’s clone, the film explores themes of memory, identity, and the pitfalls of focusing too much on the past and future.

Emily’s clone warns her younger self of the dangers of living disconnected from the present moment, weighed down by memories that often bring regret or nostalgia. Hertzfeldt’s vision shows how easy it is to lose touch with the joy of the here and now, getting caught in the loops of past memories or anxieties about the future. The future Emily, though advanced in knowledge and experience, envies the young Emily’s innocence and unfiltered presence. The contrast reminds us of the beauty and power of simply being present, free from the weight of what was or what might be.

Together, Perfect Days and World of Tomorrow form a unique cinematic experience that encourages us to pause and question: How often do we miss the beauty of our own “perfect days” while distracted by our past or striving for the future? In Hirayama’s life of quiet routine, and in young Emily’s fleeting innocence, we are reminded of the richness that exists in the present moment.

All in all, it was another warm and successful night of wonderful people sharing the beauty of cinema. We reflected on how the ideas in Perfect Days resonate with our own lives. Wenders and Hertzfeldt, through two distinct styles, invite us to be mindful, savour simplicity and find peace in our daily routines. As we navigate our own stories, these films leave us with a gentle reminder: contentment may just be a matter of slowing down, taking in the moment, cherishing the world as it is, right here, right now… and maybe marvelling at beautiful toilets! 

Until next time, be kind and hydrate!Share

October 6th 2024