“Manda-la” is a series of photos inspired by Buddhist mandalas, which feature one central figure surrounded by the people and objects that make up their world. Usami visits locations repeatedly, engaging in conversations with locals while endeavoring to shine a light on hidden histories and the problems of modern society. He is currently planning to photograph many subjects on Sado for the project in 2022. At the festival he will exhibit past works from the series, including works set in the atomic-bombed city of Hiroshima, and the island of Cyprus—a nation that has been divided into north and south in an ongoing dispute. Also on display will be his plans for shooting on Sado.