# From Carlos Reygadas to Hamaguchi’s Cinematographer, Tokyo’s Nippon Cinema Now Directors on Unexpected Connections

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/from-carlos-reygadas-to-hamaguchis-cinematographer-tokyos-nippon-cinema-now-directors-on-unexpected-connections/
- Published: 2026-10-29T00:50:20+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-29T01:13:20+00:00
- Original publisher: Variety
- Original article: https://variety.com/2026/film/festivals/carlos-reygadas-hamaguchi-cinematographer-nippon-cinema-now-1236933790/
- Topics: Entertainment, Film

## Key points

- Five directors shared unexpected stories behind their films.
- Ueda adapted a 30-episode vertical microdrama for cinemas.
- Natori’s festival award brought him into contact with Carlos Reygadas.

## Summary

Five filmmakers presenting their work in Tokyo’s Nippon Cinema Now programme described the unusual encounters and experiences that shaped their films. Their stories show how unexpected collaborators, personal histories and creative freedom can influence projects across Japanese independent cinema.

At a Tokyo International Film Festival panel, Ueda Shinichiro said “Earthlings in Love” grew from a 30-episode vertical microdrama but was made on an independent-film budget for theatrical release. Debut director Saito Kisin said “Kefi” began with a sponsor’s theme of motherhood before he was given freedom to develop the story of three sisters mourning their father. Natori Satoshi drew on his past as a hunter and cited Tarkovsky as an influence; his film won the feature Grand Prix at Croatia’s Split Film Festival, where he met Carlos Reygadas. The article also features filmmakers Matsumura Shingo and Yaza Takenoshin.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.