The International Film Festival Rotterdam recently crowned Toshihiko Tanaka as the winner, and this talented debut director is already gearing up for his next project. Following the success of his film “Rei,” Tanaka is now working on a new film titled “Shumari,” once again set in Japan’s picturesque region of Hokkaido.
A Suspenseful Story of Love and Tragedy
In an exclusive interview with Variety, Tanaka shared his vision for “Shumari.” The film will revolve around a love story and will touch upon the tragedy of forced labor victims during and after World War II. The dam construction project took the lives of both Japanese and Korean workers, and some still await a proper burial.
Tanaka explained, “Attempts to excavate and repatriate their remains continue.” With this film, he aims to combine intimate human drama with historical context, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of Hokkaido once again.
Exploring the Theme of Space
Aside from “Shumari,” Tanaka is exploring a separate project centered around the multiverse. He expressed his interest in exploring space as a theme and drew inspiration from the film “Interstellar.” Tanaka wants to depict the vast, infinite possibilities of the universe, going beyond the boundaries of scientific knowledge, and intertwine it with ordinary human struggles.
Challenges and Dreams
While “Shumari” is expected to be an audience-friendly two-hour film, Tanaka’s previous work, “Rei,” was a sprawling 189 minutes. Tanaka admitted that watching a three-hour movie requires courage, but he was influenced by a five-hour-long film called “Happy Hour,” which made him feel like he was embarking on a journey with the characters.
Tanaka, also an actor himself, paid careful attention to each member of the cast in “Rei,” even choosing to work mostly with non-professionals. He mentioned his fascination with non-verbal communication and how he wanted to explore that aspect in his work.
As he moves forward in his career, Tanaka is ready to tackle subjects that might raise eyebrows in Japan, such as politics and religion. He acknowledges that these topics are generally considered taboo, but he wants to challenge the status quo when he feels the need to do so.
A Dream and a Journey
Tanaka’s path to becoming a director started during the pandemic. He began with simple scripts and filmed his friends, which eventually grew into significant projects. His curiosity and passion for characters on stage propelled him to explore other means of expression through directing, cinematography, and photography.
However, he also faces challenges in Japan when it comes to supporting experimental cinema. Tanaka mentioned the lack of an existing system and how filmmakers often have to rely on crowdfunding for these projects.
Despite the obstacles, Tanaka remains optimistic. He believes in the potential for success at the local box office, even with minimal promotional budgets. Winning the Palme d’Or is his ultimate goal, but his true joy comes from engaging with the crew on set and creating together.
Above all, Tanaka’s biggest dream is to complete his Hokkaido trilogy. After “Rei” and “Shumari,” he envisions another installment to wrap up this personal project. The beauty of Hokkaido and the stories it holds continue to inspire Tanaka, and he is determined to bring his vision to life.
(Source: F5 Magazine)