Statement calling for the immediate release of Toru Kubota (United For Peace Film Festival)

We have received information that Toru Kubota, a documentary filmmaker who was reporting in Myanmar, has been detained by the Myanmar government there. He was covering a demonstration in Myanmar. We call on the Myanmar government to release him immediately. We also request the Japanese government to promptly approach the Myanmar government for his early release. The targeting of peaceful protesters and journalists should not be tolerated.

Mr. Kubota began reporting on Rohingya refugees in 2014 while a law student at Keio University. As a student, Ms. Kubota received the United For Peace Film Festival (UFPFF) 2016 AFP Award and Student Award.

Since then, he has worked as a director and camera operator for international media such as Al Jazeera English, NHK World, and VICE. He continues to quietly turn her camera on people living on the margins of society and those deprived of their freedom, while staying close to the

Currently, a petition drive is underway by those involved in the production of the film to demand their release. We would appreciate your cooperation.