The NFB is committed to respecting your privacy

We use cookies to ensure that our site works efficiently, as well as for advertising purposes.

If you do not wish to have your information used in this way, you can modify your browser settings before continuing your visit.

Learn more

Distribution

Catalogue

The Apology

Tiffany Hsiung
2016 | 1 h 44 min

The Apology follows the personal journeys of three former “comfort women” who were among the 200,000 girls and young women kidnapped and forced into military sexual slavery by the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. Some 70 years after their imprisonment in so-called “comfort stations', the three “grandmothers”– Grandma Gil in South Korea, Grandma Cao in China, and Grandma Adela in the Philippines – face their twilight years in fading health. After decades of living in silence and shame about their past, they know that time is running out to give a first-hand account of the truth and ensure that this horrific chapter of history is not forgotten. Whether they are seeking a formal apology from the Japanese government or summoning the courage to finally share their secret with loved ones, their resolve moves them forward as they seize this last chance to set future generations on a course for reconciliation, healing, and justice.

Awards and distinctions

  • duPont-Columbia Award
    The duPont-Columbia Awards, New York
    2020
  • Best Documentary Feature
    Los Angeles Women's International Film Festival, Los Angeles
    2018
  • Best Feature Film Award
    Seattle Asian American Film Festival, Seattle
    2018
  • Doc:South Award 2017
    Films from the South Festival, Oslo
    2017
  • Best Documentary Award
    LA Philippines International Film Festival, Los Angeles
    2017
  • Best Canadian Feature
    NorthWestFest, Edmonton
    2017
  • Film of the Year Award
    IDF West Lake International Documentary Festival, Hangzhou
    2017
  • Audience Award
    International Female Film Festival, Malmö
    2017
  • Special Jury Mention Award for the UNESCO Gandhi Medal
    International Film Festival of India, Goa
    2016
  • Audience Award
    Cork Film Festival, Cork
    2016
  • Best of Festival
    Zonta Film Festival, Kitchener
    2016
  • Busan Cinephile Award
    International Film Festival, Busan
    2016