THE GREAT HAPPINESS SPACE - TALE OF AN OSAKA LOVE THIEF

The Great Happiness Space takes us into the fascinating hidden world of Japanese nightlife, where the hippest young men entertain an exclusively female clientele with free-flowing drinks, charming conversation and the pretence of love. Director Jake Clennell obtains near-unrestricted access to the glamorous demi-monde of Cafe Rakkyo, presided over by the charismatic Issei, the Osaka's number one "host boy". In a twist on the ancient geisha tradition, glamorous hosts pour out attentive compliments and very expensive champagne, playing sophisticated mind games to keep the clients spending and spending for their company. In this secret society of wealthy young people, money equals easy gratification. But everyone must pay for their pleasures, and it is not the only currency.

This documentary provides a microcosm for a society experiencing extreme shifts in gender relationships. It is a poignant and vivid portrait of this strange, modern dance between the sexes, and of the heart behind it all. Enter the great happiness space: there are no judgments here and the rules are clear!

Award: Best Documentary, Edinburgh International Film Festival 2006