Laugh and Peace in Okinawa
For most tourists in the World, Okinawa (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okinawa_Island ) is this iconic Japanese Island some 400 miles from the mainland of Japan and where it’s always a “feel good” feeling to escape, rejuvenate in this paradise similar to Hawaii. For others it’s also the gruesome reminder of the ugly battle of Okinawa during World War II (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Okinawa ) that caused so many lives from both sides and left a bitter taste in the mind and spirit. Therefore, for all these reasons it’s not a surprise that the legendary Yoshimoto Kogyo entertainment conglomerate (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoshimoto_Kogyo ) chose to give birth, 11th years ago, to the “Laugh and Peace” Okinawa International Movie Festival (https://oimf.jp/en/about/ ). During this 4 days event we were lucky to encounter the rising Stars of Japan such as beautiful Actresses Honoka Matsumoto (http://asianwiki.com/Honoka_Matsumoto ), Ayame Misaki (http://asianwiki.com/Ayame_Misaki ) and inspired Director Yûichi Hibi (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2500035 ) who showed his long awaited ERICA 38 with the legendary late Krin Kiki. But also we met the talented Wutt Hmone Shwe Yi from Myanmar (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wutt_Hmone_Shwe_Yi ). We will have a focus story with interviews from these new exciting Stars in our next coverage of the Okinawa film festival. It truly was amazing to encounter such talents and be able to report to the West that they all are ready for their big break in Hollywood! Kanpai!
On top of discovering new talents, new films, new savors and colors from this mesmerizing Okinawa it was also the opportunity to learn about the new educational endeavor launched by Yoshimoto Kogyio and under the direction of chairman Hiroshi Osaki: “Laugh & Peace_Mother”, a new platform powered by the NTT Group (http://www.ntt.co.jp/activity/en/global/ ). Overall, one can only be impressed by this perfectly executed event full of surprises and tasteful programming. And as a testament of the good taste from the locals attending the festival this year’s Audience Award went to the very funny and charming Japanese film: ‘Handling Method for Grumpy Woman’, one has to have a large sense of humor indeed and director Shusuke Arita (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10516551 ) who accepted his trophy had for sure a smile full of Peace, and Laugh…or is it Love!
Until we meet you at the 12th Okinawa Movie Festival, walk with a large smile on your face, full of Peace and Laugh.
Emmanuel ITIER.
