Noriko and Ushio Shinohara in Cutie and the Boxer (Photo via The Guardian)
Love is a ROARRRR. In the documentary Cutie and the Boxer, this is the name of the first joint show by the film’s subjects, Japanese artist couple Ushio and Noriko Shinohara. It doubles as a fitting title for their four decades-long relationship, explored in Cutie through interviews, historical and home video footage, and animated versions of Noriko’s (the quieter and supposedly “average” wife to husband Ushio’s scrappy, boxing-painter “genius”) watercolor project, Cutie. Director Matthew Heinzerling says it was upon discovering Cutie, a collection of work inspired by the bitter times in Noriko and Ushio’s marriage, that he realized the film had the legs to be a feature, as originally it began as a short “day in the life” project.
The film is shot and edited wonderfully—Heinzerling’s approach captures the couple’s glut of struggles with art dealers, an alcoholic son and the pressure of creative production—without reducing their vitality and nuanced relationship. Ushio, who received notoriety upon arrival to the 1960s’ avant garde New York art scene, admirably sustains decades of visceral, sinewy creation, only to break down in tears when meditating on art-as-inner-demon. Noriko proclaims the value of “a room of her own” in producing her sensual works while recalling the endurance of their shared passions. At one point, we see the two subjects through each other’s eyes—in Noriko’s artwork depicting “Bullie” and in videos shot by Ushio, of Noriko taking in a summer breeze.
Noriko and Ushio are clearly opposites, but are they at odds or complementary to each other? What is lost or gained by choosing love and sacrifice versus independence and success? As an artist and feminist, I had an instinctual response during the film: wanting Noriko to receive her due, etc. However, by its end, I was buoyed by a more complex understanding of sharing, and yet competing over, one’s passions with a partner. Such questions take up much space in conversations regarding women and professional success; it is refreshing here not to see it all reduced to simplistic archetypes.
In many ways, Cutie’s trajectory bears striking similarity to the couple’s own artistic one. The film premiered at Sundance last year, earning critical praise and additional slots on the festival circuit. It then floundered, failing to obtain distribution in more than a handful of theaters. Good things can come late: after earning an Oscar nomination in December, the charismatic film quickly picked up attention, including the spirited support of many arts organizations.
This past week, Cutie screened at BRIC Arts in Brooklyn and at a NYWIFT event at the Tribeca Film Institute. Both screenings had lively Q&As. At the Tribeca session, Debra Zimmerman, Executive Director of Women Make Movies, moderated the event with the film’s producer and NYWIFT member Lydia Dean Pilcher. Zimmerman asked Pilcher what drew her to the project, pointing out that Pilcher is known for producing feature length narrative films, not documentaries. Pilcher pressed her hand to her chest as she recalled the first time she saw Heinzerling’s footage, “You just know inside when you want to be part of something.”
For the most part, the Shinoharas seem to take the acclaim in stride. During the BRIC Q&A, the conversation wandered over to their son, Alex. “He is doing very well,” Noriko said, “He is creating art.” She tells the audience about a pair of sneakers that he recently finished customizing just for her. “Maybe,” she adds, “I will wear them to the Oscars.”
— JOYCE CHOI LI
Related Posts
NYWIFT at Tribeca 2025: In Conversation with Producer Marcella Steingart
Emmy and Peabody Award-winning producer Marcella Garcia Steingart is making waves at the 2025 Tribeca Festival with the world premiere of her latest project, Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything, directed by Jackie Jesko. Produced in collaboration with ABC News Studios and Imagine Documentaries, the film offers a compelling and intimate look at the pioneering career of broadcast journalism icon — and 1997 NYWIFT Muse Honoree — Barbara Walters , the first woman to break into network evening news. With rare archival footage and powerful insights from cultural figures like Oprah Winfrey, Katie Couric, Andy Cohen, Joy Behar, Bette Midler, Connie Chung, and Cynthia McFadden, the documentary not only charts Walters’ trailblazing path but also explores deeper themes of sexism, ambition, and the high cost of public success. A proud NYWIFT member, Steingart brings her signature emotional depth and narrative artistry to the project. Her journey as a celebrated storyteller has earned her accolades across the industry — and Tell Me Everything may be her most powerful work to date.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Chantel Simpson
Let's give a warm welcome to our newest NYWIFT member, the incredibly talented Chantel Simpson! Based in Brooklyn, Chantel is a writer, director, and producer with a true passion for amplifying underrepresented voices through compelling storytelling. Her diverse portfolio spans documentaries, branded content, and photo campaigns, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences on a deep level. From capturing the vibrant energy of NYC's breakdancing culture in Children of the Zulu Kings to exploring the brotherhood within a lowrider club in A Drastic Tale (screening next month at the Tribeca Festival), Chantel's work is both captivating and culturally resonant. She's even collaborated with major brands like Nike, Meta, and JPMorgan Chase, bringing their visions to life with her unique creative touch. As a new member of New York Women in Film & Television, Chantel is eager to connect with fellow creatives, find inspiration, and continue to grow as an artist. Join us as we delve into Chantel's creative journey and discover what motivates this dynamic storyteller.
READ MORECurtain Raiser: 2025 Tribeca Festival Ushers in a Powerful Celebration of Storytelling
It’s that time again! The Tribeca Festival returns to New York City from June 4–15, 2025, bringing together visionaries, changemakers, and creatives across film, television, immersive experiences, games, audio storytelling, and more. Stay tuned — we’ll be bringing exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes content, red carpet snapshots, and insight into the premieres and panels that everyone will be talking about. In the meantime, Tammy Reese offers us a sneak peak of some festival highlights.
READ MOREMeet the New NYWIFT Member: Lindsey Lambert
Lindsey Lambert is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker originally from Austin, Texas. She works as a location scout for film and television in the NYC area, currently on Law & Order: Organized Crime. After receiving her Master’s Degree in Human Rights from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in the spring of 2022, she began directing and producing her debut feature documentary Teaching Social Studies about public school education and the anti-critical race theory laws in Texas. It is currently in production and she hopes the film will be completed by the summer of 2025. In our interview, she discusses her decision to go back to school, her work on the new Amazon Prime series Étoile, how to educate young people about our challenging history, and the most memorable location she's scouted to date.
READ MORE