“My Sunshine”, interview with director Hiroshi Okuyama

June 3, 2024

Hiroshi Okuyama:” I hope the viewer can remember the emotions of their childhood as a treasure for the present “

“My Sunshine”, interview with director Hiroshi Okuyama Chiara Nicoletti

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For his second feature film, “My Sunshine“, presented in Un Certain Regard at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, Japanese director Hiroshi Okuyama is also director of photography, scriptwriter and editor.

Inspired by his own childhood memories and his experience in figure skating as a child, Hiroshi Okuyama depicts a delicate coming-of-age drama set in a small Japanese island about a special bond between a figure skating rising star and a young athlete with good potential.

In Cannes, the Japanese director reveals that he conceived the film to try and preserve the memories from his childhood he might forget one day.

As it also deals with themes such as sexual orientation and lgbtq+ topics , the film’s purpose is also an invitation to respect and enhance diversity and uniqueness.

Plot

On a Japanese island, life revolves around the changing seasons. Winter is time for ice hockey at school, but Takuya isn't too thrilled about it. His real interest lies in Sakura, a figure skating rising star from Tokyo, for whom he starts to develop a genuine fascination. Coach and former champion Arakawa, spots potential in Takuya, and decides to mentor him to form a duo with Sakura for an upcoming competition. As winter persists, feelings grow, and the two children form a harmonious bond. But even the first snow eventually melts away.

Written by: Chiara Nicoletti

Guest

Hiroshi Okuyama

Film

My sunshine

Festival

Cannes Film Festival

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