Slice of Japanese life

JAPANESE director Takumi Saitoh’s debut feature film, Blank 13, had its premiere in Kuala Lumpur even before it was released in his homeland.

The 36-year-old former model also appeared at the KL premiere screening on Tuesday at GSC Pavilion.

Blank 13, which won Takumi the Asian New Talent Award for Best Director at the 20th Shanghai International Film Festival in June this year, is based on a true story by Koji Hashimoto.

It is about a cancer-stricken dad (Lily Franky), who went out for a pack of cigarettes 13 years ago and never returned. His son (Issei Takahashi) only learns of his deeds at his funeral.

“The hardest part of making this film,” said Takumi, “was the editing and finishing process. Especially the speeches in the funeral scene in the second half of the film, which were almost improvisation. Only the setting and the relationship between the person and the deceased were explained to the actors!

“It was quite experimental. It was challenging to abridge the documentary into a film based on a true story,” added Takumi who has sent many hearts aflutter since appearing as an actor in 13 Assassins (2010).

On his worst acting experience, he said: “It’s a bit off-topic but it was when I had no acting offers, since I can’t call myself an expresser if I have no place to prove my existence.”

blank 13 is one of 14 movies and an anthology to be shown at the 14th Japanese Film Festival.

Takumi also has a supporting role in The Projects, another film presented at the festival, organised by The Japan Foundation KL.

For Takumi, film festivals are wonderful. “It’s a journey with encounters and also beginnings — a wonderful space for the film enthusiasts to meet people without any concerns.”

On the appeal of the Japanese Film Festival offerings to Hollywood blockbuster fans, Takumi says he would like cinema-goers to know the current situation of Japanese cinema with this festival. “It’s also necessary for us (directors) to realise the entertainment that satisfies audiences.”

An avid cinematic fan, Takumi has seen several movies more than twice, such as Amores Perros by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Drive by Nicolas Winding Refn, and Laurence Always by Xabier Dolan.

“I believe that it’s more of whether I’m moved or not, rather than the techniques used. So I watch them many times to find a way to bring the films I’m involved in to that level,” he said.

As for Malaysian films, he revealed that he was interested in directors like Yasmin Ahmad (of Sepet fame) and Ah Niu (Para Para Sakura).

Being his first visit to Malaysia, Takumi said: “The audience reactions will be the biggest souvenir to take home.”

The Japanese Film Festival began yesterday and runs till Sept 13 in the Klang Valley at GSC Cinemas in Mid Valley, Pavilion KL, NU Sentral and 1Utama. It’ll then tour Penang (GSC Gurney Plaza) from Sept 14 to 17, Kuching (GSC CityONE Megamall) from Sept 21 to 24, and Kota Kinabalu (GSC Suria Sabah) from Sept 29 to Oct 2.

All films are presented in Japanese with English subtitles. For details, visit jfkl.org.my.

Tickets are priced at RM8, except Midnight Diner 2 and Tsukiji Wonderland, which will be sold at the prevailing GSC box office price.

Tickets for all screenings can be purchased at the GSC box office or www.gsc.com.my.

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