Maria of the Ant Village

Set in Ant Village, a unique community of vagrants, the film tells the story of Satoko Kitahara, a young Catholic girl who takes on the name Maria. She arrives in the village with the intent to offer her services, only to discover that the residents face challenges from municipal authorities who want them to leave.

Satoko becomes a pivotal figure in the community, using her position to garner public sympathy for the inhabitants of Ant Village. As she works to raise funds for an excursion to Hakone with the village children, she embraces the life of a rag-picker, illustrating her commitment to helping others. The narrative weaves together themes of social justice and personal sacrifice, making it a thoughtful piece for drama enthusiasts.