Hey All.

We’re back after a day off & near capacity crowds turn up for the 4 programs today. AI & J 4, cinema TEC! Program, AI & J 5 & the Special Program from Cannes.

Asia International & Japan 4: We had the same guests as at Laforest so please see the report there for additional content.

Director Yoichi Tanaka told the audience he cast his lead actress Erisa Yang on her ping pong abilities. It helped that she’s also a very good actress.

Director Yoichi Tanaka of “Ping Pang.”

Director Maksim Kodarov returned to represent his film “Cube” (Kazakhstan). He really wanted to show his idea of how an artist’s mind works, in this case a woman who couldn’t realize her dreams of becoming a violin virtuoso.

Director Maksim of “Cube.”

Director Hiroyuki Shintani brought along 2 of his lead actors, Yuta Kanai who played the beleaguered suitor & Noa Kawazoe who played 1 of 3 sisters, all of whom he had dated at one time or another.  Dad wasn’t too happy about that!

L to R: Director Hiroyuki Shintani, Noa Kawazoe, Yuta Kanai.

Asia Internation & Japan 5: Director Yale came out to Yokohama to represent her film before returning to Hong Kong tomorrow. Her heartfelt short about 3 foster home kids who treat each  other like real siblings was a crowd favorite.

The charming director Wong Suk Nga Yabee, “Fish in a Puddle”

Director Motoyuki Itabashi, sans bow-tie was in the house for his foodie short “Obento.” He told the audience he decided to just use the word “Obento” in English as the title when he found out that the word is used, as is, all over the world.

“Obento” man Motoyuki Itabashi.

Finally, director Yuji Hariu came out for his film “December 17.” His two talented young kids couldn’t make it since they had school obligations!

Director Yuji & Hariu & producer Tadashi Nagoya of “December 17”