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Hi! My name is Emy and I worked as chief of the volunteer members for this year's American Short Shorts Film Festival. I hope this diary lets you see what happens back stage and gives you a closer view of what the visiting Filmmakers were alike.
May 30th Wednesday
A dinner with the filmmakers at the Hanezawa Garden in Hiroo.
I was so nervous from that morning that I couldn't concentrate well during class. Since Hiroko, Yuko, Sachiko, Chikako, Tomoka, Eriko, Satsuki and I go to the same University, we all decided to go to the dinner together, but suddenly I had some unexpected work to do! I needed to make name tags for the arriving Filmmakers. So after that was all over, I headed down to Hanezawa garden along with Kaori and Furufuru, thinking that all of the directors and other dinner guests would already be there. But to my surprise we were the first ones to arrive. This made me nervous; the volunteer members are not there yet! I called each of them and Phew--just in time for the filmmakers to arrive, we were all there to welcome them.
Despite the rain, the dinner had ended with sunshine (success)! I really had a great time and I was relieved to find out that all the directors are soooo nice!
May 31st Thursday
After finishing class, we (volunteer members and I) went to Laforet Harajuku for the Reception Party. I felt so nervous that I could not stand still and wait calmly for the delayed filmmakers to arrive. I was going up and down the stairs or wandering around the hall entrance, where I was getting in the way of many of the cameramen and journalists who were stationed there. Then the filmmakers arrived, and the party started. The party was great; they were giving out Haagen-Dazs and Evian water for free.
The first filmmakers to whom I grew acquainted were Jason Reitman and Daniel Dubieki, director and producer of "In God We Trust." They were totally hilarious! They still had eyes of a boy. But when they saw Uno Kanda, they became wolves with eyes of a boy (laugh).
The next filmmaker I got to know was Tiffany Toby, the Director of Photography for "Delusions in Modern Primitivism." She was a really nice person and she called me Emy-san, which I though was very cute and nice of her.
June 1st to June 5th
June 1st, the beginning of the Film Festival. I had an exam in 4th period, so after finishing that I went to Laforet. When I arrived, Program B was playing, so some of the other volunteer members and I took a peek. Oh! Movies are so great! I really admire the filmmakers for making such wonderful movies and telling their stories in such a compact amount of time.
Let me explain to you briefly what the volunteer members do, in order to clarify that we don't just get to sit around and enjoy the wonderful movies. We translate for the filmmakers so they can interact with the audience. After the formal Q&A in the theater, we bring the filmmakers to this area called the Evian Lounge for an informal Q&A session. The difference between the Q&A session inside the theater and Q&A at the Evian Lounge is that, to people who are shy to speak out or people who want to ask further questions are able to do this with a translator, one of us, outside the theater.
Another way the volunteers participate is through the wonderful work of SWEEPERS! We clean the town of Harajuku carrying a broom and a dustpan and walk around the streets to pick up any garbage. The Filmmakers also join us to do good deeds for Tokyo. Although at first many of us hesitate in doing this job, by the end people are so into it that they don't want to stop!
So, that is a brief look at what the volunteer members do. Now let me introduce the filmmakers from my perspective; what I say might just be my opinion, but I would like to write what I felt towards each filmmaker and their work.
Program A:
The director of "Me & My Old Man," Georgie Roland, was a very curious and moreover a very genuine person. He was walking around the hall often, so I had the chance to talk to him a lot. What most impressed me about him, apart from his handsome face, was that he always had a can of beer with him for the interviews. He's probably really shy. "Me & My Old Man" is narrated in Spanish. This film just sticks in your mind; it lingers in the heart even after you finish watching it.
Also from Program A are the directors of "Seraglio," Gail Lerner and Colin Campbell. They are just great; they are like honor students, so nice and kind. They like to travel, so if they had free time they took off on the train for somewhere else. One day they said that they had just returned from Kyoto, and I was really surprised. Their work is full of surprises also. The main character is a normal housewife but…a great surprise awaits the audience at the end. This woman just rules!
Program B:
Daniel Loflin, director of "Delusions in Modern Primitivism," is really tall and witty. His film was so full of tension and thrill that some audience members fell unconscious.
Also from Program B was David Kartch. He was good friends with Daniel and Tiffany, and they were together almost all of the time. David Kartch's "Zen & the Art of Landscaping" was so funny and creative I gave it my vote for the Audience Award.
Program C:
Unfortunately I did not have much of a chance to talk to Mark Carter, director of "The Ballad of Little Roger Mead," and I only translated for him once. But looking at his film I thought he was a very talented filmmaker. The story is about a boy named Roger Mead who performs in a talent show. Roger Mead's talent is so wonderful that it made me sick (laugh)!
Producer Jon Langston's film "Oregon" was also in Program C. Jon has had so many different job experiences, it was interesting to hear how he got into making films. "Oregon" takes place in the near future. It was a really cool movie. I really like the camera angles, and I found the images magnificent.
Program D:
"12X12" director, Maja Zimmermann was the only female director here. She was like a sunflower, always full of smiles and warmth, and I truly admire her. She has a positive attitude and a strong will and liveliness that come through in the film's theme.
Jason Reitman of "In God We Trust," also in Program D, received the Audience Award. The pace and content of his short made it feel more like a feature-length film. I couldn't take my eyes off it.
Program E:
The visiting directors from Program E are Brain Klugman of "The Great Upsidedown" and Greg Chwerchak of "The Hook-Armed Man." They are both young, but I thought Brian was still a University student or something. He had this wild, curly hair, and it was pretty comical to see him hanging upside down in his film. He was a really funky guy. Greg had the longest eyelashes, and they gave a warm look to his eyes. It just knocked me out! He says he likes comics, and "The Hook-Armed Man" had essence of comics in it.
International Program:
Last but certainly not the least, the visiting director from the international program was Roystan Tan. He is really young, still 23 or so, but his film seems as though it was made by a person who has experienced a lot in life. His film expresses the feelings of an old father who is not able to communicate with his own son. The way it was shot and the story brought tears to everyone's eyes. I also cried.
So, that was the fastest 5 days in my life! The last day I went around to all of the filmmakers to get their autographs. My adrenaline was running so high during these 5 days, and I truly had an amazing time. Now that it's over, there is a hole in my heart…
To my entire, dearest volunteer team: Hirko, Yuko, Sachiko, Chikako, Tomoka, Eriko, Satsuki, Aya, Toshiko, Kumiko, Kiko, Aiko, Nao, Ayako, Yohei and Furufuru, Thank you SOOOO much for your great work! And all the best to all the Filmmakers, and to the wonderful people who made this film festival possible, Seigo-san, Kaori-san, Keiko-san, and Bessho-san, & all the staff! I love you and thank you for giving me this superb experience!
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| 2001.06.21 |
Yohei's diary -2
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Rainy and Cloudy
I miss ASSFF terribly. But I have a lot of stuff to do. It is important for the festival, though it is hard. I was working at the office in the afternoon. It was rainy. I still want to contribute on the development of ASSFF.
By the way, do you know what volunteers are doing after the festival is over? I'll tell you a little bit about one thing they are doing.
At about 5:00pm I left the office for Sacred Heart Women's University in Hiroo, where the English Drama Club was performing a play, "Little Women." Emy, Hiroko, Yuko, Chikako, Eriko, Aya were on stage. Excellent!!!!
The final scene was especially awesome!!! Hiroko, a would-be actress, gave a realistic performance. I was really impressed. I was encouraged to watch their performance. Before that, I was losing my courage, faltering.
I'd like you to know all the volunteers are playing great parts in a lot of club activities. Everything they learned in various experiences is becoming a great power for ASSFF. Thank you!!
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| 2001.06.1 |
Yohei's diary-1 |
Introduction
Hi, everybody! I'm Yohei, one of the volunteer staff members of ASSFF. This is the third year that I have been involved with the festival. Seigo-san talked me into writing my own diary. I've been involved in the festival since the first year, so it seems I know everything better than he does.
I was the chief of the volunteers until this year, when I asked Emy, a student at Sacred Heart Women's University, to manage the volunteers. So unlike last year, I have no power. But every single person is so nice. We are getting along with each other. In my diary, I'll show you everything, focusing on 'How ASSFF Is Produced'. I invite you to ' Yohei's World'.
Preparation
Emy agreed to be the chief of volunteers in February. I talked to her about it last December and since then I was negotiating with her about it. After all, it wasn't just like I could force her to be the chief. But I was really glad she decided to devote herself to ASSFF!
In August I'm going to start the Master's Degree Program at the University of Kansas, so this is the last festival I can be part of. In order to do things better than ever, I needed to help everybody else to get prepared. But the present chief is awesome! She kept in close contact with every volunteer and gave impeccable instructions. And besides, she is keeping her cool. Unlike her, I'm goof. I'm no longer what I was last year, because I'm just obeying her all of the time.
In preparation for the festival, I was in touch with Programming Director Marliese by e-mail to plan the optional tours for the visiting filmmakers. Marliese came to Tokyo for the first ASSFF as a filmmaker. She's been involved with the festival ever since. When I visited California last summer, Marliese, Doug, and Katy-the L.A. festival team-- treated me for lunch. Though we are from different countries, they took good care of me, as if I were their younger brother.
As for the tour, we decided to take the filmmakers to Asakusa, Akihabara, and Tsukiji.
May 30, Dinner at Hiroo
Today Marliese, Sayaka-san(Cameraman),and I headed for the Narita Airport. It had started raining at noon. But I was extremely energetic since I slept 10 hours last night. (At midnight on the 29th, I had been jogging and was worn out. I fell asleep at the meeting with Marliese).
We got to the airport, but the filmmakers' flight was delayed. We were just looking forward to their arrival. By 5:00 pm, everyone had arrived. Then we headed for the hotel by shuttle bus. On the bus I had a seat with Jason and Dan, who made the film "In God We Trust." They called me "Japanese Stallion" because I'm a "Rocky" fan. On the way to the hotel, all of the filmmakers were charmed by the scenery of Japan. Within 2 hours, we reached the hotel.
At 7:30pm when we took cabs to Hanezawa Garden, Hiroo. Heavy rain and traffic jam! It was a disaster!!!!!
Tetsuya-san, Keiko-san, Seigo-san, and all the volunteers were there already. I proposed a toast with a soft drink, because I don't drink alcohol.
As some of you know, most of the volunteers were girls. They were excited about seeing gentleman filmmakers. I'm not excited, though. To my surprise, most of the filmmakers were drinking more and more glasses of beer, even though they were exhausted. I can't do it.
At 10:00, I went to Roppongi with some of them. There they were drinking all the time. But I was drinking Pepsi. I left at around 11:30pm, but they were hanging out until 2:00am.
May 31, Asakusa and Akihabara Tour
At 9:30am, I got to the hotel. Today Kiko, Aiko, Natsuko-san, and I guided the tour. What attracted the filmmakers in Asaskusa was the assortment of Hello Kitty rice crackers. Hello Kitty is a big hit in the States! Jason was looking for Sailor Moon things.
Then we left for Akihabara. It is a big electronics town. There we split up to browse. The filmmakers were very interested in cameras and computers. Electronics are really advanced in Japan! Japan is outstanding! But I'm leaving for the U.S.
At around 1:00pm we ate lunch and went back to the hotel. I checked in and rushed into my room. Soon after I took a shower and a nap. At 5:00 Emy gave me a wake-up call.
At 6:00, we gathered at the lobby. We were late. We left for La Foret at 6:20. But suddenly we got caught in a heavy traffic jam. We had to be at La Foret by 6:30!!! Emy called me, ' What the heck are you doing?' I got confused and yelled at the driver. We got to Laforet at 7:00. My heart was beating violently.
After the reception party, we went to the kick off at Pizza Express. I ate slices of 15 pizza, 3 ice creams, 5 tiramisu, 4 cranberry cakes. I was very full.
After the kick off, Seigo-san and I went directly to the hotel.
It was after 12 midnight when we got to the hotel. We were so exhausted that we could hardly talk. We were watching TV, but before we knew it, we fell asleep.
At 4:00am Seigo-san woke me up. We left the hotel with filmmakers for the Tsukiji fish market. The first thing we saw was the tuna auction. There were a lot of tuna fish much taller than I (5.9). There were a lot of tourists from other countries.
We ate sushi for breakfast. Yummy! Then we went back to the hotel. I went to bed again. When I woke up, I went to the second breakfast with Seigo-san and his family at the hotel. They were so generous to me. I appreciate them for their kindness and hospitality.
At 11:00 we left hotel for La Foret. The first day of screenings began!
Sweepers
On June 2nd, 3rd , and 4th, filmmakers and volunteers swept the sidewalks of Omotesando Street. We swept twice each day. It was muggy. The street was crowded, bumper to bumper. But we were so happy the street was getting prettier. I was astonished at a lot of garbage. Buddy, do not throw things away on the street.
Friendship
The festival was held over only 5 days. But in that short time, we got really close to every filmmaker. We were hanging out every day, so we became good friends. We were family. We loved each other.
Emy was asking all the filmmakers for their autographs on her T shirt. Just like doodles. I felt like writing down something.
I wrestled with Jason. He is as old as I. Collin and Gail treated me like their precious treasure.
They were good brothers and sisters for me. I got a lot of gifts from them. I missed them terribly the final day.
Baseball
In the evening on June 6. I went to Tokyo Dome for the Giants game against the Dragons. Jason, Greg, Mark, Brian and Aiko came. All the filmmakers wanted to watch the Giants' game in Tokyo.
Aiko and I are Giants fans, so we went crazy when Matsui hit a home run. But the Giants played horribly. After the bottom of the 6th inning, we left for the video game arcade. After all, the Giants had already lost.
The filmmakers exploded. They were absorbed in all kinds of video games. Aiko and I took them back to the hotel. I said to them 'See you back in L.A.'
Finally
I felt a kind of relief after the festival was over, but I also felt sad. I had more enriching experiences than I did in the past two years. I learned a lot. I owe everybody for what I am.
I appreciate Tetsuya-san, Keiko-san, Seigo-san, and Emy. They were really warm hearted. Especially I know I bothered Emy until the last moment. I was so glad you were taking care of me.
All the volunteers, Hiroko, Chikako, Sachiko, Yuko, Satsuki, Tomoka, Eriko, Kumiko, Kiko, Furu Furu, Aiko, Ayako, Nao, Aya, Toshiko, I'm really thankful to all of you! Until last year I was the chief, but this year you were helping me all the time.
Next year and forever, I hope to contribute to developing ASSFF. I have no idea what I'm going to do at the next festival, though. Edward, who visited as a journalist, lives in Kansas City. He knows much about Shorts in Kansas City. I'd like to learn a lot in America. I'll keep on running. Thank you very much.
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Copyright, (C) American Short Shorts Film Festival 2001. All rights reserved.
Feedback to assff2001@hotmail.com |
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