Finally after months and months of brain-frying editing sessions, late-night walks, a million cigarettes, gallons of sweat, and three thousand pounds of conbini food the Philfarmony Philm has it’s premier in Yoriiza.
I’ve been quite close to this project right from the beginning and got to help with the actual shooting of some scenes and a bit of sound recording too.  It’s always interesting seeing a philm from both sides.  I’d not seen any footage since philming finished so I was really looking forward to watching the final cut..

Yoriiza was very busy.  I recognised a lot of faces from the practices.  Mostly people gathered outside chattering quietly, even so the atmosphere was palpable.

Adam san was enjoying the atmosphere (like the younger brother of Marti Di Bergi, reclining on the balcony).  He had missed all the practices and the shooting, but caught the final editing process with Tanaka san (director) because they shared a house for a while.  He experienced Tanaka san impolode in reverse.  Now, they can exhale and recline a bit.

Tanaka san gives a prompt introduction

and then the lights dim and no-one was eating popcorn.  The projector fires up.  We see the iconic image of Aihara-san…

Itoi san and Nicolai’s scene is very memorable.  This is actually not Itoi san’s first acting role.  Best not to mention that though.

After the credits have rolled the event is concluded with some odori.  Tanaka san philmed it (you can see his shadow in the bottom left corner).  He must dream about Awa Odori every night (I mean when he sleeps).

Later on, a full moon and BBQ to celebrate.

For the record, I thought the film was really very nice.  Perhaps when the DVD arrives I’ll do a little review..