here's nhk world's daiichi takahashi. >> reporter: children at play, but the smiles and laughter soon give way to hints of the facts from the fukushima daiichi accident on people's lives. >>> this animation entitled "the hands" unfolds with images of grieving and prayer. simple sketches convey feelings of loss and separation. the sendai short film festival opened on september 17th. the festival gives film director as chance to move into the spotlight. 41 entries were accepted this year for this category. >>> the hall where the event was usually held, was damaged in the march 11th disaster. sigawura, a member of the organizing committee, says they almost gave up holding the festival this year. they pressed ahead after strong encouragement from directors. >> translator: i was so grateful to know there are film directors supporting even a small festival in sendai. i realized the significance of keeping the festival alive. >> reporter: the requirement for this category was that all films had to be three minutes and 11 seconds long. and based on the theme "tomorrow." >> this entry was shot