TV Times

TV Times

Asian cinema recognised in Rotterdam
The Japanese filmmaker Nagasaki Shunichi was the 'Star' at this year's International Film Festival of Rotterdam (IFFR).

He was named as the 'Filmmaker in Focus' and there were thirteen of his films that were screened in different theatres through out the 10-day festival. Selection of Nagasaki was special as it reflected the important impact that Asian cinema had made in world cinema. Introducing him to the 35th IFFR, festival director, Sandra den Hamer said "Nagasaki is the kind of filmmaker with whom Rotterdam feels a bond; passionate, wayward and independent.

He moves with verve between different genres, from hard boiled thriller and romantic drama to intimate video essay,". "Quite without justification, his work is scarcely known outside of Japan. We think it is high time to change that," Ms. Den Hamer concluded. The film festival was opened with 'Heart, Beating in the Dark', the remake of his original film which he did twenty four years ago.
In an exclusive interview to the TV Times Nagasaki explained what cinema is for him and where Asian cinema stands in the arena of world cinema.

TVT: How do you explain cinema?
Nagasaki Shunichi: It is sharing what I feel deep down in my heart with an audience in an enjoyable way. To do this I employed a lot of genres of cinema. And at times I also did films on the request made by the producers.

TVT: How did you do this successfully?
NS: The main thing you have got to do is to let your cast to express what they feel about their characters to the audience. If you do this successfully the major part of your attempt is completed.

TVT: Why do you focus on revealing the dark side of nature?
NS: I'm really interested in revealing the side that we usually don't see in human beings. For example if you are talking about somebody and if you come to the point that "He is good", the conversation might end there. But if you say 'He is bad", the conversation might be prolonged for several hours. This is human nature. This is why we like to talk about the "dark side" of human beings.

TVT: What do you think about Asian cinema?
NS: Asia has a very strong and powerful film culture. A few years ago this was not recognised by the West. But now Asian cinema has been observed and is being recognised by the whole world.

TVT: Any special feature that you have identified in Asian cinema?
NS: According to what I have experienced among other things the lighting effects used by the Asian filmmakers are remarkable. For example the way the Asian filmmakers use the natural light is special.

TVT: Does the cinema have identity?
NS: Whether its Asia or Europe it is not necessary to think about identities when you do films. The only thing you have to be conscious and concentrate on is on what you are doing. Whether it is from Sri Lanka, Japan or Hollywood the film will come out with its own identity. I don't know about the living conditions in Sri Lanka but by watching a Sri Lankan film I can understand its culture and society. This is one of the wonders in cinema.

TVT: How did you get the idea of remaking a film that you did twenty four years ago?
NS: Actually it was the producer who wanted to do it. At first I was a bit reluctant. Then I realised though the time had passed, human feelings and attitude had not passed. And drawing my attention on this aspect I did this film. Anyway I made it a point not to repeat the old version.

TVT: You seem to have not been much recognised in your own country. And it took such a long time for you to be recognised anywhere else in the world. What made you to continue your career under these circumstances?
NS: Even in my journey at times the circumstances were very complex. And at times I had to compromise with my producers. What I understood was that whatever happened around us we have to continue making films.

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