SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL & ASIA 2015

So it’s gonna be hot here in Tokyo (30℃) today so good idea to spend the day watching superb short films from around the world. Mailesan Rangaswamy came to Tokyo from India to for his short film “Bicycle” about 2 young boys, Salim & Vikram, who are best friends & Salim’s attempt to help celebrate Vikram who wants to see the world. Mailman told the audience that they shot guerrilla style over 3 days with a crew of 9 & raised the money from friends since government or film school funding was not available. Big ups to Mailman who made a film about boyhood dreams & 2 friends who strive under adverse conditions!                           Next was director Daishi Kato (Japan) who brought 7 of his young cast to show his coming-of-age short “Camouflage.” The basic theme is about  bullying in school because the victim has a speech impediment. The young cast were all excellent & the director handled the problem issue (yes, even here in Japan) with sensitivity & a clear vision.                           Director Wei from Singapore & his animated short “Pifuskin” was next. He revealed that he used 3 basic animation techniques in his film about a figure who worries at his skin & the pain he suffers. he was also generous in telling the audience that he wanted to make a film that came from the pain he felt inside after his mother’s passing due to cancer. Thanks Wei.                                                                                               Finally, Tomoko Minamoto came up to greet the audience for her short film “This Uphill Climb” about a young woman conflicted with trying to save his father’s small factory & marrying the son of a bigger company that may force the closing of her father’s business. Shot in a beautiful countryside location & points a spotlight on the grave situation of small businesses that’s currently the case here in Japan.

Quite a fine way to start the final 2 days of the festival!                               DJ John