Screening of “Bem-vindos de novo / Welcome Back, Farewell” to Offer Insight into Family Separation Phenomenon
On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM, attendees are invited to University of California, Irvine’s Humanities Gateway room 1070 for a screening of the documentary Bem-vindos de novo / Welcome Back, Farewell (2021). This powerful film, directed by Marcos Yoshi, delves into the profound emotional dynamics of family reunification following years of separation.
Set against the backdrop of Brazil, Welcome Back, Farewell explores the concept of the Dekasegi phenomenon, a term that highlights the experiences of Brazilian individuals—predominantly Japanese Brazilians—who migrate to Japan. These migrants often take advantage of national immigration policies that grant them access to Japanese citizenship or the Nisei visa, a status that allows for temporary work opportunities in Japan. This migration pattern, which often spans over a decade, results in significant disruptions to familial bonds as parents and children become estranged.
The documentary poignantly captures the challenges and complexities associated with reuniting family members long separated by geography and circumstance. Through intimate storytelling, Yoshi allows viewers to witness the emotional toll of such separations and the hopeful yet daunting journey of reconnection. The film underscores not only individual experiences but also the broader sociocultural implications of migration and family dynamics in an increasingly globalized world.
With a runtime of 105 minutes and presented in Portuguese with English subtitles, Welcome Back, Farewell invites audiences to reflect on the nuanced experiences of those affected by family separations and the difficult path toward healing and rebuilding relationships.
The screening will include an opportunity for discussion and reflection, allowing attendees to engage with the themes and implications presented by the film. This event represents an essential addition to ongoing dialogues about migration, cultural identity, and the importance of familial ties in contemporary society.
As the effects of globalization continue to reshape familial landscapes, documentaries such as Welcome Back, Farewell serve as critical tools for fostering understanding and empathy in an often divided world.
For more information about the event or to reserve a seat, please visit the UCI Humanities website.
