Sadao Nakajima

Emeritus Chairman, Kyoto International Film and Art Festival

Congratulations to the opening of the 8th Okinawa International Movie Festival!
I first participated in the Okinawa International Movie Festival the year before last, as one of the judges in the competition category. As one involved in the Kyoto International Film Festival, I remember being envious and was very moved by the intense cooperative spirit shown by all of Okinawa and above all, seeing how much fun every-body was having together.
This year, I’m especially grateful to have my newest film, “Jidaigeki wa shinazu - chanbara bigakuko - (Immortal Jidaigeki: The art of Japanese swordplay)”, included in the program. And at the same time, I’m excited and nervous about how the film will be received by the Okinawa movie buffs. While looking back at the history of film making in Kyoto, the “home of Japanese cinema”, this film focuses on its distinctive feature, “chanbara (swordplay)”. The film was pro-duced for last year’s Kyoto International Film Festival.
Both festivals made possible with the overwhelming cooperation of Yoshimoto Kogyo, the international film festivals in Okinawa and Kyoto are practically like brothers. I sincerely hope that we can continue to mutually develop, bringing out each festivals’ unique-ness and characteristics, while at times competing and cooperating. Again, thank you for this wonderful opportunity.