Directed by : Ben Bertucci (benbertucci.com)
Run time: 88 mins Country: USA/Japan
Screening time: Saturday March 28 18:00.
Get your tickets here
Synopsis: In a quiet suburb of Tokyo there lies a hidden gem of the automotive world, a mythic garage where rare, priceless classic cars—Porsches, Ferraris, Minis, Lotus, Alfa Romeos—are brought back to life with Japanese precision, dedication and quiet artistry. For over 70 years this family-run workshop has blended craftsmanship with an unwavering passion for detail.
Founded in the aftermath of WWII by Shinichi Naito, a self-taught mechanic who worked on Japanese bomber-planes during wartime. Shinichi lacked business acumen, but his son, Masao was another story. With grit, vision and a rebellious spirit, Masao turned his father’s small mechanic shop into a first-class company whose services are coveted the world over. For five decades, Masao has ruled his company—and family—with an iron fist, guiding them from poverty to wealth. All the while he traveled the world, amassing a personal collection of priceless classic cars—a legacy that ensures the financial security of his children.
Now, with Masao’s retirement on the horizon, cracks are beginning to show. Masao was a strong leader—but could he teach his sons to take his place? Do they have the chops to do restoration work on their own? Do they have the guts to keep the family together? Do they have the vision to carry the business forward?
First-time film director Ben Bertucci captures the soul of Naito Auto Engineering through a personal, visually stunning and emotionally-compelling lens.
Q&A with director on Zoom after the film.
