SHORT SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL & ASIA 2015

Today’s screening of the  Save the Earth! Program featured 2 directors who had each won an award here for their brilliant short films.

“Once Upon A Tree” (Netherlands) director Marleen van der Werf was given the Minister’s Award (Ministry of the Environment) at our Opening Ceremony on Thursday & Emily Driscoll won the J-Wave Award (Listener’s Choice Award) for her short film “Brilliant Darkness: Hotaru In the Night” (USA) which was filmed here in Japan.

When asked Marleen told the audience that it took 1 year to shoot the film & the hero of her film, Filine really does love her tree & even had a birthday party for it. No CG was used & no insects were harmed in the production!

Emily was happy to return to Japan for her film which she shot in Kyushu 2 years ago. When asked she told the audience that yes there are fireflies join the U.S. but they are not as dramatic or as inspiring perhaps as they are here. One of her producers of the film James Karl Fischer also came up on stage & also participated in the talk. He had actually come to Fukushima after the earthquake in 2011 & realized that fireflies could be a source comfort for those still traumatized by the disaster.

Inspiring, informative & interesting Q&A. Thanks & congratulations to the 2 filmmakers!

DJ John