SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL & ASIA 2015

Hey all. I’ve said this now for the last 7 years but this sad day has come again. Sad yes but also very very happy & satisfied on the final day of screenings. Great short films, great events, great turnouts, great encounters & great new friends.

One person who especially made a lot of new friends was director Lee Whittaker whose short film “Chasing Fireflies” drew raves from the audience & we had an excellent post-screening Q&A session.  Lee told the audience his film about a homeless young girl & her addict mother is a story that’s too common not only on the streets of L.A. but also around the world. Lee’s film intertwines the young girl’s fantasy, magic world of fireflies & sparkling lights with the brutal reality of trying to survive on the streets. This is an excellent case of using art to draw attention to something that really shouldn’t be in this world & if this film resonates with even 1 person who sees it, it’s worth the blood, sweat & tears to make it. Obviously, this film has hit home with many many people here in Japan judging from the reaction & how he was surrounded by fans after the screening who wanted to meet him, chat & express their reactions. Thanks Lee for a wonderful, meaningful film, your kind attention to your new fans here, and we look forward to your next effort. Domo arigatou gozaimasu.

DJ John