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Shinjuku Boys / Gaea Girls on DVD in January

16 November 2009

Without question one of the best independent DVD labels operating in the UK at present, Second Run have announced their first DVD release for 2010, a double-bill of multi-award winning documentary works by Divorce Iranian Style directors Kim Longinotto and Jana Wiliams exploring perceptions and complexities of female sexuality in modern Japan.

The 1995 Shinjuku Boys introduces three 'onnabes' (Japanese women who live as men) who work as hosts at the New Marilyn Club in Tokyo. Following them at home and at work, all three speak frankly about their lives, their families, women and sexuality. Described by Lesley Parkinson in Japan Times as "Extraordinarily brave and honest, presenting issues commonly regarded as taboo and avoiding any pat answers," and Simon Hunt in the Sydney Star as "A fantastic documentary...the subjects are both intelligent and erudite," the film won a Silver Hugo at the Chicago Film Festival, a Gold Prize at the Huston Film Festival and Outstanding Documentary at the San Francisco Lesbian and Gay Film Festival.

The 2000 Gaea Girls follows the gruelling training regime of a group of would-be Japanese women wrestlers. Defying perception and convention, these women prove themselves as tough – and as aggressive – as their male counterparts. Featuring legendary female pro-wrestler superstar Chigusa Nagayo, this is a fascinating insider’s account of a closely guarded universe in a country where women are usually regarded as docile and subservient. Described in the Toronto International Film Festival as "Like Divorce Iranian Style it smashes preconceptions about the women it depicts, transcending its subject in the process," the film won the Best of Festival Section at the Edinburgh International Film Festival and the Silver Hugo at the Chicago International Film Festival.

Shinjuku Boys / Gaea Girls will be released on UK DVD by Second Run on 25th January 2009 at the RRP of £12.99. Extra features will include a director interview and essays on the films.