“True Mothers,” a critically acclaimed Japanese film, is available online through Japan House Los Angeles until March 10. (photo courtesy of Japan House Los Angeles)

Japan House Los Angeles, a Japanese cultural destination in Hollywood, is presenting an online screening of the critically acclaimed, “True Mothers,” which was written and directed by award-winning Japanese director Naomi Kawase.

The film, which is available through March 10, was selected to represent Japan for 2021 Oscar consideration in the International Film category and was featured at both the Toronto International Film Festival and Cannes Film Festival.

Adapted from the novel by Mizuki Tsujimura and set in modern-day Tokyo, a couple struggling with infertility is presented with an alternative option: adoption of a baby boy. Their lives are disrupted when, six years after the adoption, the birth mother reappears wanting her son back. The film holds special meaning to Kawase, who was adopted and raised by her great uncle and aunt.

“We are honored to showcase such a meaningful film that examines the concepts of adoption and motherhood with expressive cinematography,” Japan House Los Angeles President Yuko Kaifu said. “We’re particularly proud to highlight females in the film industry through our live event with Naomi Kawase and Claudia Puig on the universality of motherhood and film.”

“Everybody is somebody’s child; everybody has a mother who gave birth to them. And in this respect, the core of this story should touch people’s hearts,” Kawase added. “For therein lies the world’s beginnings, seen by a pure soul who believes that this world is genuinely beautiful.”

Information and registration is available at japanhousela.com.