MINAMATA
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.
Based on the riveting true story, MINAMATA is a redemptive and emotional tale of triumph over adversity, and of how all of us have it within ourselves to make a difference.
About the artist
The New York Times declared New York University professor Andrew Levitas “has the Midas touch” when describing his continued work across multiple creative platforms. Levitas’ Metalwork Installations® are widely regarded as a breakthrough in connecting photography, sculpture, and contemporary art. Levitas’ “Organic Abstractions” (paintings built from homemade pigments and organic materials – in some cases entire trees) have also received critical acclaim. In 2008, Levitas was honored as one of only a handful of American artists ever accepted to show with the prestigious Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts. Recent exhibition highlights include: METALWORK PHOTOGRAPHY®: A SURVEY/ WORKS BY ANDREW LEVITAS which was the first ever single artist exhibition in PHILLIP’S Berkeley Square and Metalwork Photography®: Sculptures at Phillips de Pury & Co. in Manhattan. Recent acquisitions include The National Museum Wales as well as 10 Downing Street. Levitas’ feature film directorial debut Lullaby, from his own screenplay, stars Amy Adams, Richard Jenkins, Terrence Howard, Jennifer Hudson, and Garrett Hedlund. The film, an exploration of patients’ rights, was described by Pete Hammond (Deadline) as a "strong human drama" with "Jenkins a true actor's actor, delivering a very Oscar-worthy supporting turn." Levitas has also produced The White Crow (Ralph Fiennes, Adele Exarchopoulos), My Zoe (Julie Delpy, Daniel Brühl, Gemma Arterton), Georgetown (Vanessa Redgrave, Annette Bening), Farming (Kate Beckinsale, Gugu Mbatha-Raw), The Gateway (Bruce Dern, Olivia Munn, Frank Grillo), and The Quarry (Michael Shannon) among others. Levitas maintains studios in New York and London. He is Global Patron of The Wilderness Foundation.