The Center Lane
The film's title, "The Center Lane'', is inspired by Ikee-san's quote when she first arrived at the pool to be interviewed by Koreeda: "I definitely love the center lane, I always ended up in the center lane at competitions, which you do when you are the fastest. So I feel like home. Like it's my lane". The new film uses a mix of live documentary and animation to shed light on Ikee's inner thoughts, struggles and hopes as she trains for her competitive comeback.
"I had the opportunity to interview and explore Ikee-san's thoughts and emotions as she embarked on her return to competitive swimming after her recovery. It was inspiring to witness what it takes to change destiny through Ikee-san's personal journey. Her story is unique, but within it is something many of us can relate to in these times. After all, life will always find a way to knock us out of lane, but it is then when we can see our true self and how we evolve past it. That is what I wanted to explore."
Hirokazu Koreeda
