Planning the 1st KOJIMA Film Festival ～ Director Koichi Kuwata’s New Challenge: “I Want to Make Kojima a City of Film”

It was announced that the first KOJIMA Film Festival will be held in December 2023, with film director Kuwata Koichi of Kojima at its center.

Although Director Kuwata’s main job is as a hairdresser, he has made four films so far (as of September 2023), using his Mondays off.

Director Kuwata’s next undertaking, based on his experience making films, is the “KOJIMA Film Festival,” which will invite submissions from around the world and screen them, with the aim of “making Kojima a city of film.”

The themes for the first festival’s submissions are “local films that convey love for one’s hometown” and “special-effects films.”

Submissions opened in April 2023, and six films were selected from the 101 entries.

Here is an introduction to the “First KOJIMA Film Festival,” to be held on December 17, 2023.

What is the First KOJIMA Film Festival?

Preparations are underway for the KOJIMA Film Festival, which will be held in December 2023.

Details are being posted regularly on the KOJIMA Film Festival’s official website, so take a look.

The momentum that began with Director Kuwata’s filmmaking continues to build.

Here are Director Kuwata’s words about holding the KOJIMA Film Festival.

I boldly say, “I want to make Kojima a city of film.”

As the first step toward that, I am holding the Kojima Film Festival.

“I want to revitalize Kojima, whose population continues to decline, and restore it as a vibrant town.”

“I want to leave footage for the people of Kojima 100 years from now.”

“I want to pass on Kojima’s history to children.”

“I want to convey the importance of one’s hometown,” and with these thoughts, I have continued making films set in Kojima:

2018: Kamiisan!

2020: The Legend of the Peach Princess Shimotsui

2021: Ishidan

2022: Charihen♪—making a film almost every year.

I want people to watch my humble films and come to Kojima.

I want Kojima to become a filming location known throughout Japan.

I want people who watch those films to come visit this town.

I want that to revitalize Kojima.

The road ahead is difficult.

But…

That is my dream.

This time, the Kojima Film Festival has two themes.

The first is “local films.”

I think there are many people throughout Japan making films set in their hometowns.

I want to know “how they experience their hometowns as they make their films,” and I want to watch those films.

If possible, I would like to get to know the filmmakers better.

The other theme is “special effects.”

Actors from the world of special effects have appeared in my films.

Thanks to them, I too became fascinated by special-effects productions,

and even took on special effects in my second film, The Legend of the Peach Princess Shimotsui, despite the daunting challenge.

Most special-effects films today use CG, but handmade miniature effects showcase the skills of artisans.
For example, whether you can see the wires or it’s a person in a monster suit, there is a sense of wonder in the craft.

I could talk about this endlessly.

My love for Kojima and my passion for making films set there will never fade.

The future of Kojima depends on the KOJIMA Film Festival.

KOJIMA Film Festival Facebook

▼Director Kuwata and Death Kappa (the actual monster)

Approximate schedule

The approximate schedule announced is as follows.

The host is Fuchimoto Kyoko.

Screening films (six films) announced (August 6, 2023)

Films were invited from around the world for the First KOJIMA Film Festival in the following two categories.

Of the 101 submissions, five films were selected for the local film category and one for the special-effects category, for a total of six films.

For details about the six selected films, visit the KOJIMA Film Festival website.

Behind the scenes at the poster shoot (July 31, 2023)

We were told that a poster shoot for the First KOJIMA Film Festival would take place on July 31, 2023.

We were curious what it would be like, so here is an introduction to the poster shoot.

The poster shoot begins, based on the illustration by Director Kuwata (below).

The poster shoot cast and crew were as follows:

• Cinematographer: G-Panda (Kojima’s beloved mascot)
• Cast A: Death Kappa (the actual monster)—the villain in the poster shoot?
• Cast B: Kojima—shown as the woman at the front right in the illustration. During the shoot, the character became a transformed man. Who is inside the Kojima costume? We’re curious!
• Script supervisor: Fuchimoto Kyoko
• Assistant director: Fukui Kanna
• Sound recordist: Suda Sakura
• Director: Yosoi Miki

The poster shoot was handled by Katayama Chieko, an indispensable part of Director Kuwata’s films.

▼As G-Panda enters, Kojima takes its hand while Ms. Fuchimoto guides it with a concerned look. It’s hard to see ahead, so even walking a short distance is difficult.

▼They shoot it over and over, repeatedly adjusting the framing and brightness.

▼Kojima’s passionate acting direction is also a must-see.

▼A three-shot of Director Kuwata, G-Panda, representing Kojima, and Death Kappa, who will help energize Kojima in the years ahead.

▼We couldn’t resist taking a photo of the preparations in front of the poster. Director Kuwata helps Kojima get ready.

And so, “the hero of justice, Kojima,” transforms.

▼Kojima’s transformation item

It was handmade by Otaki Akitoshi, who plays Kojima's true identity.

To keep it from getting damaged, Otaki himself reportedly transported it on the Shinkansen.

It's hard to believe it was made on a low budget (2,000 yen)—the quality is impressive.

Interviews with the cast

We interviewed the four cast members who took part in the poster shoot about the shoot.

Fuchimoto Kyoko (name honorifics omitted)

I had a great time taking part today, especially since it was a full-scale poster shoot.

I'm looking forward to seeing what kinds of films we'll encounter at the first KOJIMA Film Festival, which will be held in December.

Fukui Kanna (name honorifics omitted)

I'm happy that a wonderful film festival is being held in Kojima, and that I got to take part in the shoot with members I've acted alongside in films.

I also saw the real Desukappa for the first time, and it's on a completely different scale.

It's almost a little scary.

I'm looking forward to seeing posters put up in various places and Kojima getting excited.

Suda Sakura (name honorifics omitted)

I was happy that Director Kuwata invited me to the poster shoot for the first KOJIMA Film Festival today, and I'm looking forward to the festival being held.

I'll be performing a dance at the festival's opening, so please look forward to it.

Yosoi Miki (name honorifics omitted)

Today, I played the role of a film director.

It was my first time having a shoot with a mustache attached using glue, so it was itchy.

“I'll do my best as a film presenter on the day!”

How to apply for the first KOJIMA Film Festival

Applications for festival tickets opened to special sponsors on August 4, 2023, and general sales will begin on October 1, 2023.

For sponsors, special sponsorship applications are accepted through September 30 so names can be printed in the program. Sponsors will also receive a special original pass.

▼Details of sponsorship applications are below.

If you're interested, please check the official website.

▼Details of general ticket sales are below.

Advance general sales begin on October 1, 2023. Seating areas are assigned.

From the Writer

We introduced the “First KOJIMA Film Festival,” which will be held in the Kojima area of Kurashiki City on December 17, 2023.

The day's screenings include “Desukappa” and “Denjin Keiji.”

It will be a packed day, with a Desukappa talk show (speakers: director Tomoo Haraguchi and actress Hiroko Sakurai) and screenings of the six nominated films.

Alongside the one film in the special-effects category, we're also looking forward to the five local films that convey a love for their communities.

Just imagining that we'll get to see the wonderful scenery and people of each area is exciting.

A film festival held in the Kojima area.

Why not join us for both Part 1 and Part 2 and help get the festival going?

First KOJIMA Film Festival details

Name	First KOJIMA Film Festival
Date	Sunday, December 17, 2023, 10:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m. (scheduled)
Location	Kojima Civic Exchange Center, Jeans Hall (2-2-38 Ajino, Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture)
Website	KOJIMA Film Festival

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