The Repair Café – Documentary Film
Do you have broken items gathering dust at home?
Think of a frayed sweater, a cracked tablet, or an old toy you once loved as a child, each item has its own story to tell. But in our consumerist society, it often feels natural to toss something out and buy something new. Repairing can be more expensive or simply not accessible.
That’s why there’s a place where local volunteers repair broken devices, clothing, bikes, and much more for free: the Repair Café.
IDEAS FOR GOOD created its first short documentary about this movement, which began in Amsterdam. The film follows a Repair Café in their day-to-day work and shows how repair connects people and their stories, offering a new perspective on our belongings and a richer, more meaningful life.
In July 2024, a new EU directive came into effect that requires manufacturers to offer repair services for TVs, vacuum cleaners, phones, and eight other product categories — up to 10 years after purchase. In Japan, a cabinet decision was also made in July 2024 to promote a circular economy, positioning repair as a key tool for regional revitalization and lifestyle change.
Now that our planet is nearing its ‘planetary boundaries’, it’s time to rethink our approach:
How can repair and reuse help build a richer, more sustainable society?
The documentary has been screened at
About the director
Masato Sezawa, Creative Director at IDEAS FOR GOOD (based in Amsterdam), directed, filmed, edited, and translated the documentary. He studied at the University of Amsterdam, has worked in Denmark and for NGOs, and focuses primarily on video production.
Masato has a rare gift for capturing the emotional essence of a topic and invites viewers into the stories he tells in an intimate and compelling way.
In addition to being a documentary maker, Masato also works as a journalist for Harch, a Japanese digital media company focused on promoting a sustainable future. Harch publishes inspiring stories about social innovation, sustainability and circularity. Since 2015 they are building the bridge between their readers’ hearts. This is reflected in the name: the ‘arch’ between ‘hearts’, together: Harch. A mission that Masato feels passionate about, and works towards every day.
what others think of the documentary
“A story about the rebirth of life — both of objects and of people.”
- Yasuhiko Kobayashi
Ecological Memes
“Anyone who wants to reflect on what true happiness means should watch this documentary.”
- Sachiyo Kojima
Rinne.bar
“I had tears in my eyes. It made me reflect on the value and background of the things I own.”
- Sayaka Ito
Sayaka dept. cheering jewelry
“Without even mentioning words like ‘sustainability’ or ‘circular economy,’ you still feel and understand it.”
- Yurie Kibi
Nikken Sekkei PYNT
“It’s inspiring as an example of how both social infrastructure and material goods can circulate.”
- Shigeki Aoki
Prof. Komazawa University
Host a screening
Would you like to inspire your organization to think more circularly — to embrace repair and reuse.
Then consider showing “The Repair Café” — a short, inspiring documentary that reveals how broken items can be given new life and how this process connects people.
The film offers a warm, hopeful view of the circular economy in action, featuring real stories and tangible examples.
After the screening, it’s possible to invite director Masato Sezawa for a live, interactive talk moderated by our team. In this follow-up session, Masato dives deeper into the stories behind the film, the impact of the Repair Café movement, and how this mindset can be applied in your own organization or municipality. He also reflects on cultural differences between the Netherlands and Japan — and what both countries can learn from each other.
Ideal for:
- Municipalities working on circular policies or community inspiration
- Organizations aiming to inspire their employees
- Events focused on sustainability, innovation, or community building
- Educational institutions and cultural centers