The Miracle of Crybaby Shottan(HKAFF 2018)

Over 15 years after Blue Spring, director Toyoda Toshiaki and Matsuda Ryuhei reunite for this inspiring all-star biopic of Japanese chess player Segawa Shoji, who shook the world of professional shogi in the mid-2000s. According to Japan Shogi Association rules, players must reach 4th dan ranking by age 26 to turn pro. Only 2.5% of players make this dreaded age deadline. Shottan, like so many others, did not and was forced to withdraw and become a salaryman. But his passion for shogi never went away. In his 30s, he takes up his dream again and launches an unprecedented challenge for the professional ranks as an amateur.