Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2013

SHALLOW When newly elected MP Richard Dove runs over a young girl on a deserted forest road, he must decide to what lengths he will go to save his blossoming career...

Dan Stephens

I'm very honoured to be receiving this award. It seems a long time ago that we were in those woods but I'm thrilled that people continue to enjoy the film. Will Bridges is a clever/twisted man! Thanks to him and a great crew.

Richard, an unemployed 55-year-old, arrives three minutes late for his job centerappointment . An advisor, stifled by the limits of the system, has no choice but to penalize him for his tardiness. To avoid plunging further into destitution, Richard takes desperate measures.

Jane McDowell

It is wonderful to think that our film The Mass of Men has made an impact in Japan. It was a lovely project on which to work. I was playing opposite a fantastic actor called Peter Faulkner and the creative team were marvellous, especially Gabriel Gauchet, the director. I am sure that the story line is something with which many people can identify! Certainly bureaucracy and red tape in England can drive you mad!

An offbeat comedy about a superstitious family and their relentless attempts to interact with their next-door neighbor. Each of the Champions is quite attracted to the lovely new neighbor. When they discover he’s an exorcist, they devise their own unique demons to entice him into their home.

Laurence Pang

First of all I would like to thank the Director, Gilani Sumida-Moiseff for giving me the opportunity to take up this role as the Dad/Grandpa. I have always been passionate about acting, which I have been doing for over 10 years, and to be recognized finally for my work is truly amazing and humbling at the same time.

Credit also must go to the rest of the cast, without whom, it would have not been possible for me to deliver my character the way it was. I truly appreciate the recognition given me by the judges of Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia 2013. I will continue to strive to better myself more. Thank you so much for this award, which I will cherish very much.

A middle-aged telephone kiosk owner abandoned 10 years ago by her partner because of her infertility exists in isolation. Cast aside by society, she’s proud and stubborn; if they are cold towards her, she’s colder still. But one day a stranger, a little girl, comes to make a call.

Liu Dan

Although difficult to describe, for me personally, my feelings for Tokyo is very special. Each time I visit, my time is limited thus all my experiences seem amplified, to the point that I still see its images vividly, even with my eyes closed. Right now I cannot tell if things are real or that it’s a dream. When I was told of this wonderful news about winning this award from the Short Shorts Festival & Asia, I visualized bright ray of light, and thought perhaps I was dreaming. Thank you Tokyo, like the way I would like to thank the place of my birth.

Blue Gateway of Happiness Masami and Jun are brothers who face certain issues that they’ve had since childhood, when their father passed away. A human interest drama set on the island of Enoshima.

Tetsunaga Matsuoka

The road to complete the film "Blue Gateway of Happiness" was not so smooth and nice but because of difficulties we faced, the film has been one of my memorable pieces. I am so happy and honored to receive such a glorious award as an actor. I would like to show my appreciation to my fellow crews and casts, and also the producer who gave me the part in this film, the director who has captured the best of me. Once again, from my deepest heart, I would like to thank all of you who were involved with the film and also the festival committee who awarded me for my acting.

Kotobuki/To Us A single girl living and working in Tokyo visits her hometown only to find out that her life no longer belongs there.

Kikuko Kanazawa

It was already great news that "Kotobuki" won the Best Short Award in the Japan Competition, but there was some even more exciting news awaiting me, again unbelievable and breathtaking.

Thinking back, as the title "Kotobuki" (Happiness) indicates, it seems that good things keep happening to me since making this film. I was motivated by the bottomless passion of the director and crew, and in turn the film brought back my passion for acting, becomming my "kotobuki." Furthermore, it is an even larger "kotobuki" for me to encounter and work with such a wonderful director, excellent producers Mr. Nomura and Mr. Mita, and the brilliant crew and cast members.

This award encourages me as an actress, and I will work very hard to further my career. Lastly, thank you very much to the festival committee for awarding me.