“A small portrait of the northern small town”

Based on the real stories happened in the town, the film was produced in the actual locations – sometimes with the real people participating as casts. It is a film that can be considered as a portrait of the town.

The storyline features the people’s quiet living in a fast changing time with the gentle touch.

The nostalgia of deserting town and the sadness of it are common feelings shared by many towns around the world.

”We want to leave the memories and stories of the people who lived here and want everybody to know our town.” The strong wish of the residents stimulated them to start making this film.

“Mo-Ruerani”

The word came from a Hokkaido native Ainu people’s language. It means “a place after the little downhill”. It is the origin of the town’s name.

北海道室蘭市を含む西いぶり地方を舞台に、街の人々から聞いたエピソードを基に連作形式で紡ぐオムニバス劇。クラゲを殺して海に捨てた少年とその母親に水族館職員がある贈り物を用意する第1話【冬の章/水族館のはなし「青いロウソクと人魚」】ほか。監督は、「ハーメルン」の坪川拓史。2011年に東京から北海道室蘭市へ移住し、室蘭市の広報動画『砂がおしえてくれた街』も手掛けた。大杉漣、大塚寧々、香川京子ら俳優陣に加え、エピソードの本人や、オーディションで選ばれたり、街で監督にスカウトされたりした人々が出演している。モルエラニとは、アイヌ民族の言葉で“小さな坂道をおりた所”を意味し、“室蘭”の語源のひとつと言われている。