The Japanese-Serbian Film Festival (JSFF) in Belgrade hosted the Moon Sushi Masterclass on December 3, bringing two exceptional talents from Japan to the forefront: actor Toru Kizu and director Sayaka Nakamura. Their masterclasses offered an immersive dive into the nuances of Japanese storytelling, creative resilience, and the art of crafting both stage and screen magic.
On photo from the left: Toru Kizu (Actor, Producer), Vladana Veljkovic (Moderator), Sayaka Nakamura (Director), Yakusha (Programme Director)
Toru Kizu: The Making of Yabuhara Kengyo II
Toru Kizu, a seasoned actor and producer, shared his journey of creating Yabuhara Kengyo II, an Edo-inspired one-man rock 'n' roll drama. The performance, blending Shakespearean intensity with the vigor of Japanese tradition, encountered numerous challenges during production. COVID-19 restrictions disrupted location permits, public gatherings, and shooting schedules. Unpredictable weather—rain in particular—complicated the filming process, even threatening equipment.
Yet, Kizu highlighted how these adversities shaped the final product. "The challenges forced us to adapt, innovate, and ultimately elevate the film's quality," he remarked. The finished project became a celebrated masterpiece, garnering awards and critical acclaim for its raw, immersive storytelling and atmospheric execution under the open skies.
Sayaka Nakamura: The Art of Improvisation in Filmmaking
Director Sayaka Nakamura, known for her work on the Olympic film Tokyo 2020 Olympics SideA/SideB and numerous acclaimed dramas, offered a masterclass on capturing spontaneity in cinema. Discussing her latest feature, Let It Rain, Nakamura revealed her approach to filming improvised plays.
"Improvisation brings authenticity and emotional depth," she explained. Nakamura's meticulous selection of crew members skilled in various formats—TV, documentary, and feature films—ensured seamless orchestration of unscripted moments. Her ability to balance creative freedom with structured direction resulted in a film that resonates deeply with audiences.
Insights into Japanese Filmmaking
Both masterclasses provided a rare glimpse into the Japanese film industry’s dedication to artistry and resilience. From Kizu’s ability to transform setbacks into cinematic brilliance to Nakamura’s innovative techniques in capturing unscripted storytelling, the sessions underscored the expertise of these industry veterans.
Their films, 10 Years of Isobatake (Toru Kizu) and Let It Rain (Sayaka Nakamura), premiered in Serbia during the 11th JSFF, showcasing their versatility and vision. The Moon Sushi Masterclass was more than a celebration of filmmaking—it was an inspiring lesson in creativity and perseverance, setting a high bar for future events at JSFF.
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