LakshmiJapanese filmmaker Kenichi Ugana is wired to generate horror fantasies.
From his debut in theaters in 2016, directing the first feature film in the Japanese “GAL” -themed movie Ganguro Gal’s Riot, to winning the top prize at the NY Shorts International Film Festival for his short horror comedy Visitors—he never fails to awe the energetic horror fans.
His most recent ode to punk rock-themed horror comedy is The Gesuidouz which celebrated its international premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11 as part of the ‘Midnight Madness’ segment. Safe to say, the audience reaction was wild!
Unlike his other movies, this one doesn’t contain the typical aliens, hysterical monsters and outlandish zombies. This movie simply pays tribute to those who choose to dream and chase that dream.
One Lash Shot had the opportunity to speak with Kenichi Ugana, the director and scriptwriter, about the behind-the-scenes of The Gesuidouz.
How did you first become interested in movies?
In kindergarten, I refused to go. I only went one day and then I stayed home. My mother was renting splatter-horror films every day. As I was watching splatter films like Texas Chainsaw Massacre or Evil Dead, those became my first film experience.
What made you interested in horror, particularly as a genre?
For any film — even for a realistic one — films are usually about making up lies in a way. So, I think horror films can make the biggest lie and it also feels like magic. So that’s why I like horror films.
What’s the overarching vision of the film? What inspired you, and what themes or emotions were you trying to convey through The Gesuidouz? Do you love punk rock music?
So, this film is about continuing to create something. That’s the message I am trying to convey through this film because it’s about people who are seeking success and keep working towards it. Even if you don’t succeed, the continuity of doing something will result in some kind of outcome. I want such people to stay positive.
As for music, punk rock is my favourite kind of music. I like grunge more than punk and I love Nirvana.
What was your favourite scene in the film and why does it hold special meaning to you?
The last gig scene in the movie. I was hoping to make it the best scene for the audience, as a director. But it was better than I expected. It really moved me. I think it’s thanks to the actors/performers. I knew that it was an important scene from the script, but they really did an amazing performance. That’s why I think this film is selected for the ‘Midnight Madness’ —thanks to that scene.
The location of The Gesuidouz movie is very important to the story. According to you, what were the main factors adding to the narrative, while portraying the significance of the Japanese countryside, especially the final concert scene in the ‘Glastonbury of Japan’?
It’s awesome if you can go to the place you want to go or do something that you want to do. However, even if it’s not the place you are hoping to go, it’s very meaningful and has some value.
Obviously, I have a huge honour in coming for the ‘Midnight Madness’. But, 20 years ago, I went to a smaller film festival and that experience was very valuable to me as well.
The scene where she recognized her situation and yet, decided to keep going— that was an important scene for me.
You were working with several actors, some of whom are singers by profession, like Leo Imamura and Yutaka Kyan. Since this movie has a lot of music, did it contribute and make it easier to direct?
Yes, that was a condition— to have someone who could play music. Usually in Japan, if someone wanted to make a musical film, actors had to practice instruments. I wanted my actors to play instruments naturally. That’s why I chose them.
However, for me, I like unexpected things to happen as I am filming. If I am in a comfortable situation, I want something unexpected to happen. For example, Rocko can play music; he is in an indie band. But he is also a filmmaker. So, the band members in the movie are composed of a variety of people coming from different backgrounds. So, those kinds of people acting on this has been very helpful for the film.
What was your intended impact on the audience? Natsuko’s character idolized Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain, but that doesn’t mean she needs to follow their path. What do you hope viewers to take away from The Gesuidouz?
It’s ok to continue even if the art doesn’t sell. For music and acting, you can start at any age.
For me at first, I couldn’t really make a film. For 3 years, I had to give up and work in a completely different field.
But after 13 feature films, I could make it to ‘Midnight Madness’. So, I think it’s a beautiful thing to continue creating without giving up. Even if your dream doesn’t come true, we will cheer for you. The film is about cheering people who don’t give up/can’t make it/ cannot succeed. Just don’t give up and keep going!
What’s next for you?
TIFF started on September 5th. But until September 4th, I was in New York making a new film. It’s a rom-com film with horror elements in it.
The next film will start shooting in Taiwan. It’s going to be a Taiwan-Japan co-production and it’s going to be pure horror.
[Author’s Note: Thank you to Kenichi-san for bringing this movie to TIFF and the rest of the cast and crew! The responses in this interview were originally in Japanese.]
Lakshmi
