On the 3rd day at the Andaz Tokyo venue, we enjoyed screenings of the “Branded Shorts Program 3,” “Branded Shorts Program 2,” and “Be Myself Program.” A large crowd gathered to enjoy these short films.

And thanks to the kind arrangements made by Andaz Tokyo – who provided us with today’s venue – we were able to hold the “Andaz Cinema Salon” at the Andaz Lounge, where visitors could watch short films while enjoying champagne and snacks.
The lineup of films included “The Boggabilla Bus” and the short film “Shakespeare in Tokyo” – which was produced by Short Shorts together with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. After the screening, the producer of the “Shakespeare in Tokyo”, Tono and DJ John (a famous film festival DJ who also served as assistant director for this film) held a discussion interpreting and explaining the film.

This film was developed through a project initiated to showcase Tokyo’s appeals and attractions to the world, whereby filmmakers were asked to submit their proposals. Director Genevieve Clay-Smith from Australia was chosen to make her short film. Clay-Smith’s style involved organizing filmmaking workshops for people with Down Syndrome, and then bringing them on to work on the film during the production process. For this film, she conducted workshops in Tokyo, and brought those participants on as performers and members of the crew.

The main character Ben is played by Gerard O’Dwyer, who has Down Syndrome and had a strong interest in acting, and was said to have begun his career as an actor after having met the director. The film depicts Ben’s adventures as he journeys through Tokyo and portrays the things he sees, hears, encounters and feels with vivid and vibrant sensitivity. This film successfully portrays the hero’s Down Syndrome as not a disability, but as a unique component of his personality.

The way foreigners view Tokyo, the way the film’s hero sees Tokyo, differs from our perspective of everyday Tokyo, and that is what makes this film unique and interesting. What does Tokyo represent to you? What aspect of the city would you like to communicate to your friends in other parts of the world? We believe that this film provides an opportunity for pondering such thoughts.
Tomorrow’s screening will be the final showing at the Andaz Tokyo venue.
We look forward to seeing you all there at the 51st floor of Toranomon Hills♪

SSFF & ASIA staff : Y.OTAKE