HI EVERYBODY!

FRIDAY started out hot & sunny with temps reaching 29℃ in Tokyo but we were able to feel the breeze coming of Tama River here for a full day of programs.

NON FICTION Competition supported by Yahoo Japan Corporation 2

We started the day with the the NON FICTION Competition supported by Yahoo Japan Corporation 2

We welcomed back Shin Miyata, the subject of the documentary “OUR MAN IN TOKYO ~ THE BALLAD OF SHIN MIYATA” for an encore appearance after coming out during our 1st week at Omotesando Hills.

We were very glad to have MERYEM DIPDERE who was part of the production of the powerful doc “MERYEM” (no relation). “MERYEM” traces the battle that Meryem & her band of Kurdish female warriors bring in their fight against ISIS in the demolished city of Kobani in northern Syria. 

Producer Meryem told the audience that the production took nearly a year to shoot the film having to enter Kobani between Iraqi & ISIS forces during a lull in bombing & battles. They would have to sometimes standby for weeks at a time before they could find a “safe” time to enter into Kobani. The director, REBER DOSKY couldn’t make it to Japan since he’s already back in the area shooting the documentary! Thanks Meryem for bringing your very powerful & important film to our festival.

Kaohsiung Film Festival Program from Taiwan

Our 2nd program, the Kaohsiung Film Festival Program from Taiwan saw KFF project coordinator bring the directors of two Taiwanese shorts from last year’s festival. 

Director LYAO LIU BAN’s short film “SOLO,” follows the travails of a mother whose prodigal son is performing at a piano recital while she tries to keep a handle on her other mentally challenged son as they make their way to the concert hall. BAN told the audience that he was funded & supported by the KAOHSIUNG FILM FESTIVAL & was able to cast a popular young actor for the lead & a veteran actress to play the mother.

Director DAN-CHI HUANG came with her producer simple named OTHER to represent her film about an aging old man titled “MAN, MONKEY, MANNEQUIN.” The window into an old man’s simple life is a quiet look at aging and isolation. She was also very fortunate in that she was able to cast a veteran actor for the role of the old man & yes, the mannequin was made to look like Charles Bronson! 

Music Program

For our final program of the day following our KIDS & FRANCE programs, director YASUHIKO SHIMIZU made a return appearance following yesterday’s sold out event with actor & director TAKUMI SAITOH. Director SHIMIZU has made many music videos as well as top brand & corporate commercials. His long-form music video “AFTER DRAMA” traces the story of a young man who loses the love of his life because he is unable to communicate his feelings properly. An affliction that many “shy” Japanese men suffer from. All the music was by REACTION THE BUTTHA, a young, popular Japanese pop/rock band. The 20’+ music video was shot in a day & a half & was crowdfunded mainly through the band’s fans.  

 

SEE YA!

DJ JOHN