1/17: Master Class with Director Naomi Kawase

Often seen as a stepping-stone for directors toward longer format films, the short film remains an under-utilized and under-appreciated medium in the US. In Japan and Asia, however, short film is quickly evolving and expanding, due to digitalization and a greater demand for short-length and easily-consumable media. The format embraces all genres, including drama, documentary, music video, and the recently-emerging “branded short film” produced by companies for marketing purposes.

As part of "Short Shorts Film Festival in Hollywood," JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles and Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia present a master class led by Naomi Kawase, celebrated director of Sweet Bean (2015) and Radiance (2017), on the theme of "the possibilities of film." It will be moderated by Akira Mizuta Lippit, Vice Dean and Professor at the University of Southern California.

Kawase, who has directed over 47 films including documentary, short film and feature film formats, is known for a documentary-realism approach that explores the distorted space between fiction and non-fiction that has occurred in modern society. She has received international recognition and many awards, such as the Grand Prix at the Festival de Cannes, and she was the first Japanese member selected as a juror at Cannes.

This class will offer an in-depth discussion of the possibilities of film and the short film format. Following the presentation and discussion, participants will view two of Kawase's short films, including the US premier of Parallel World (2017).

This program is ideal for students of film, film buffs, or anyone interested in learning more about the short film format and Japanese cinema.