Now feels like a particularly potent time for tales of corruptions and cover-ups – and that’s the focus of Minamata, the second feature by director Andrew Levitas. Based on true events, it tells the story of war photographer W. Eugene Smith, commissioned by Life magazine to venture to Minamata in Japan to document the mercury poisoning that’s proving fatal to the locals, and whose images become instrumental in exposing the corporate powers behind the danger. Watch the international trailer exclusively here.
The film stars Johnny Depp as Smith, with Bill Nighy as Life editor Robert Hayes. And here’s the official synopsis: “New York, 1971. Following his celebrated days as one of the most revered photojournalists of World War II, W. Eugene Smith (Johnny Depp) has become a recluse, disconnected from society and his career. But a secret commission from Life magazine editor Robert Hayes (Bill Nighy) sends him to the Japanese coastal city of Minamata, which has been ravaged by mercury poisoning; the result of decades of gross industrial negligence by the country’s Chisso Corporation. There, Smith immerses himself in the community, documenting their efforts to live with Minamata Disease and their passionate campaign to achieve recognition from Chisso and the Japanese government. Armed with only his trusted camera, Smith’s images from the toxic village give the disaster a heartbreaking human dimension, and his initial assignment turns into a life-changing experience.”
Minamata is expected to arrive on UK screens in 2021.