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Debut Director's Bold Move: Messaged Cinematographer Directly
29 Oct
Summary
- Directors shared unexpected connections behind their diverse film projects.
- One director approached a renowned cinematographer directly via message.
- A former hunter's film sparked potential collaboration with a Mexican director.
Five emerging directors participating in the Nippon Cinema Now section of the 39th Tokyo International Film Festival discussed the serendipitous connections that guided their films. Ueda Shinichiro's "Earthlings in Love," initially a social media microdrama, was adapted into a vertical format feature with an independent film's budget.
Saito Kisin's debut feature, "Kefi," evolved from a sponsor's theme into a uniquely abstract narrative about three sisters. Natori Satoshi's "Chihiro | Akemi" was deeply influenced by his experiences as a hunter, exploring themes of identity and the stark contrast between wilderness and city life. This film's success at international festivals, including a Grand Prix win in Croatia, led to an encounter with Carlos Reygadas, potentially fostering a future Japan-Mexico collaboration.
Matsumura Shingo's "Between Us" explored the intersection of theater and reality, emphasizing creative freedom. Yaza Takenoshin recounted how he directly messaged cinematographer Kitagawa Yoshio, known for his work with director Hamaguchi Ryusuke, seeking advice on low-budget filmmaking. This bold approach resulted in Kitagawa agreeing to shoot Yaza's film and connecting him with a producer, marking Yaza's first experience on a professional film set.
Natori reflected on the importance of creating a satisfying feature film, especially for first-time directors, emphasizing that personal satisfaction is paramount. The discussions underscored the individualistic and often unconventional routes taken by these filmmakers to bring their distinct visions to fruition.
