Sundance 2024 - Black Box Diaries

Evan D.

The insidiousness of sex crimes exists not only in the brutality of the moments in which they are committed but also, gruelingly in their refusal to cease. Survivors endure the physical violation by their assailants and then face stigma, shame and dejection from the courts and public in response to coming forward. We’ve seen these dynamics play out across the Me Too movement here in the United States, but the laws around rape in Japan are even more archaic. Standing up against those systems and obstacles is what makes Shiori Ito so brave for documenting her story in Black Box Diaries. 

Ito is a journalist by training, a survivor by experience. As a young woman seeking to break into the male dominated industry she was raped by a senior reporter with deep ties to the elite of Japanese politics. Ito’s story is harrowing, but it should not then be surprising that she was met with deep resistance when she reported her assault to the authorities in its immediate aftermath. Investigators refused to take her seriously, disregarded evidence and even called off a planned arrest of her abuser. In public she was shamed for having the audacity to accuse a prominent figure of rape and further disregarded for the tone of her voice and attire in the press conference.

As common as this story has become, it is never any less harrowing. Ito uses her training as a journalist to tell the whole story of her assault when nobody else will. She records herself on her phone, tracks down witnesses, writes a book and ultimately makes this documentary in order for the truth to finally be told. As her recounting goes on, her digital diary entries switch from Japanese to English, realizing that for any true justice, her story will have to be heard outside of the entrenched misogynistic culture that still persists in her homeland.

For all the pain, Black Box Diaries also includes moments of levity and support from the people in Ito’s orbit. She’s steadfast in her determination to bring the truth to light and in the process spark changes in the society that forced her to take matters into her own hands. Despite the determination, Ito wont let herself be defined by the darkness inflicted upon her. She leads round tables with other women journalists and celebrates little moments with her friends. 

In introducing the film at the Sundance virtual screening Ito described it as a tough watch. While the subject matter makes that true, Ito’s infectious energy undercuts the description. She finds beauty and joy in the world and people around her even as her film does not shy away from the darkest moments of her story. Black Box Diaries opens up to show all of the pain and the reclamation of power.

A first time filmmaker, Ito’s craft is also worth highlighting. When she set out to tell her story she clearly had no intention of turning it into a feature length documentary. The archival footage, shot on all different mediums is skillfully and seamlessly combined with more professional grade shoots later on and layered with hidden camera recordings of sources. It is impressive filmmaking from and storytelling instinct. 

Black Box Diaries is the type of open and honest storytelling that can lift the unfair stigma around survivors speaking out. Ito is clear eyed about the challenges she continues to face and will have to live with for the rest of her life but refuses to let the storm clouds consume her, even in the darkest moments. 7/10