Japanese Film Competition (Short Length)
Flashback Before Death ◊ jp◊
- Onsite
- 7.17 (Mon) 13:50 Convention Hall
- 7.21 (Fri) 10:30 Audio Visual Hall
- Online
- 7.22 (Sat) 10:00 - 7.26 (Wed) 23:00
In the early Showa era, Kikuo returns to Japan after studying in France and receives a letter from his sister, Tsuruha, who is supposed to be dead. When Kikuo arrives at Tsuruha’s house in the middle of nowhere, he finds his sister living with a doll that looks exactly like her daughter Hinano.
©Hotel des Arts
Director: Rii ISHIHARA, Hiroyuki ONOGAWA
Cast: Rii ISHIHARA, Masatoshi KIHARA, Hanae SEIKE
2022 / Japan / 31min.
A bizarre story unfolds in a mysterious world akin to the novels of Rampo Edogawa or Kyusaku Yumeno, with meticulously detailed production design and precise sound design. This outstanding film was written, directed and produced by two first-time directors: actress Rii Ishihara, who produced The Lump In My Heart (22); and film composer Hiroyuki Onogawa, who has worked with Gakuryu Ishii and Koji Fukada. Ishihara bewitchingly plays Tsuruha as well as serving as an editor of the film, while Onogawa displays his musical talent. Masatoshi Kihara as Kikuo perfectly fits their distinctive world and leaves a strong impression. Flashback Before Death had its world premiere in the Noves Visions section of the 55th Sitges - International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, one of the world’s three biggest fantastic film festivals, where it won the Best Short Film Award.
Director: Rii ISHIHARA
After graduating from Chuo University Fuculty of Science and Engineering, she joined Kirin Brewery. Later, Ishihara studied under screenwriter/director Koshio Komatsu, and has appeared in more than 50 films to date. She won Best Supporting Actress Award at the 3rd Wallachia International Film Festival with A Story Sewn and Bound with a Red Thread (21). She produced and starred in The Lump in My Heart (22), which was selected for the 35th Tokyo International Film Festival.
Director: Hiroyuki ONOGAWA
Internationally popular film composer, known for films by Gakuryu Ishii such as August in the Water (95), Labyrinth of Dreams (97) and Electric Dragon 80.000V (01). Later, Onogawa worked with Koji Fukada on Harmonium (16), A Girl Missing (19) and others. He composed for John Was Trying to Contact Aliens (20), which won the Best Short Film at Sundance Film Festival.
Message
Ladies, gentlemen, and non-binary friends, welcome to our mystery world. We hope that each of you will complete your own Flashback Before Death. The clue to enjoying this film is in the sound. Thank you.
