Shunji Iwai

Be honest and create with sincerity

Date: 18 & 20 October 2023

Location: Hong Kong (Béthanie Theatre – The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Premiere Elements)

Topic: Be honest and create with sincerity

Guest: Shunji Iwai

Moderator: Ka Ming & Mandrew Kwan (University Session), Chi Chung Wong (Public Session)

Partners: Hong Kong Asian Film Festival, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

The Film Craft Workshop, a collaborative effort between the Asian Film Awards Academy and the Hong Kong Asian Film Festival, financially supported by Create Hong Kong and Film Development Fund, and supported by the School of Film & Television, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, featuring the renowned Japanese director, Shunji Iwai, has successfully concluded. During the workshop, Director Iwai shared with the public and aspiring film students his invaluable insights and experiences gained over his illustrious 30-year filmmaking career. He delved into the captivating world of film production, revealing intriguing behind-the-scenes stories.

 

Graduated from Yokohama National University, Director Iwai is best known for his visual style and delicate depiction of sentiments since the 1995 box-office hit Love Letter, which as well made a great impact on Asian cinema. His latest film continued to get inspiration from the profound impact of the 311 earthquake in Japan and its aftermath, subsequent to his previous works around the same theme. Director Iwai expressed that this unforgettable event motivated him to create a film as a tribute and reflection.

When asked about his perspective on “life and death, fate and love,” he emphasised the significance of these motifs in his works. However, rather than spiraling into infinite contemplation, he chooses to create honest and heartfelt works based on his sincere observations and personal experiences.

 

Director’s latest film Kyrie features elements of street music and busking culture. This is also a reunion between him and composer Takeshi Kobayashi, 22 years since their last collaboration in All About Lily Chou-Chou. As for the casting of the leading actress, it was a serendipitous encounter. Director Iwai stumbled upon a video of singer AiNA The END online and was deeply amazed. Before that, the director was already interested in the topic of street music, so he wrote a story and invited AiNA to play the main character.

 

Beyond his reputation as a distinguished director and screenwriter, Shunji Iwai has also ventured into film music composing, editing, and producing. When imparting advice to film students, he emphasised the importance of experimentation and exploration, highlighting that there is no single method that suits everyone. He also shared his fondness for late-night recording sessions with his assistant, indulging in the ambient sound captured on the street with his iPhone. He jested that the first task for passionate young filmmakers joining his team would be making audio recordings on street.

Asian Film Awards Academy

The Asian Films Awards Academy, a non-profit organisation, was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. Aiming to promote and recognize Asian films and its talents, AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives.

 

The Asian Film Awards was inaugurated in 2007, where members of AFAA are drawn from its past nominees and winners. The category of awards includes Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. Members vote for the Asian Film Awards and participate in various AFAA activities involving film professionals and audiences in Asia and around the world.

다른 필름 크래프트 워크샵
도쿄 3 latest Hong Kong films and 2 classic works of Tony Leung were screened during the 36th Tokyo International Film Festival.
Shunji Iwai When asked about his perspective on "life and death, fate and love," he emphasised the significance of these motifs in his works.
다레잔 오미르바예프 We are honoured to have Darezhan OMIRBAYEV to attend the Film Craft Workshop with the film students and audience.
라드 주드 라두 주드는 루마니아 뉴웨이브의 대 표적 인물로 최근 몇년간 가장 모험 적이고 대범하고 도발적인 감독이다.
가와세 나오미 영화상 수상의 일본 감독 가와세 나 오미가 경험과 지식을 나누기위해 영 화 제작 워크숍에 참석해주었다.
진철예 안소니 첸 감독은 각본 작법에 대한 경험과 지식을 워크숍에서 나누기위 해 두개의 세션을 맡아주었다.
이상일 유명한 재일동포 감독 겸 각본가인 이상일 감독을 초청하여 홍콩 관객에 게 그의 경험을 나누는 기회를 갖게 되었다.
한스 프롬 우리는 독일의 촬영감독 한스 프롬을 게스트로 초청하였고 워크숍에서 두 개의 세션을 진행하여 좋은 시간을 갖게되었다.

web design by Inspirr