Author Spotlight

Markus Nornes

Markus Nornes is Professor Emeritus of Asian Cinema at the University of Michigan and a specialist in Japanese film, documentary, and translation theory. He is also a filmmaker and programmer for the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival. His most recent book, the open-access Brushed in Light, is on the intimate relationship between calligraphy and East Asian cinema.

2 Results
Five Radical Documentaries by Kazuo Hara and Sachiko Kobayashi: Restlessness Refusing Resolution

The pioneering husband-and-wife duo transformed the field of Japanese nonfiction cinema with their portraits of spectacular, edgy personalities and collectives under duress.

By Markus Nornes

Essays— Aug 25, 2026
Kazuo Hara’s Dedicated Lives

In his uncompromising chronicles of modern Japanese society, the celebrated filmmaker shows a deep understanding of both larger-than-life individuals and collectives of ordinary citizens.

By Markus Nornes

Features— Apr 27, 2022