Biography
Born in Ishikawa Prefecture in 1987 and raised in Tokyo, Shun Nakagawa worked for an event production company before becoming an independent creator. becoming independent. While working as an event director, he also studied film production at the New Cinema Workshop. His short film “Kalanchoe” (2016), which he wrote, directed, and edited, received exceptional praise at numerous domestic film festivals, including winning the Grand Prix at Rainbow Reel Tokyo - Tokyo International Lesbian & Gay Film Festival. To this day, the film continues to be shared as educational material and contributes to promoting understanding of LGBTQ issues at many corporations, educational institutions, and training programs. Additionally, some of his past directorial works include “time” (2014), “Death with Dignity” (2015), “UNIFORM” (2018), and “Sayonara, Girls.” (2023).
Filmography
“Sayonara, Girls.” (2023)
“UNIFORM” (2018)
“Kalanchoe” (2016)
“Death with Dignity” (2015)
“time” (2014)
Find them on social media
X @nac_shu
Instagram @nac_shu
Official Website
10+5+5 Questions for Shun Nakagawa
1. What is the first film in your memory?
I feel like I’d seen more, but the one that stands out vividly in my memory is “Armageddon.”
2. What are some of your favorite films?
“A Separation” by Asghar Farhadi
“Swan Song” by Benjamin Cleary
“The Boy and the Heron” by Hayao Miyazaki
“What’s Eating Gilbert Grape” by Lasse Hallstrom
“Leon: The Professional” by Luc Besson
“Dancer in the Dark” by Lars von Trier
3. Which creators have you been inspired by or influenced by?
Asghar Farhadi of “A Separation”. I learned what films tug at your heartstrings from his works.
4. What are the films that shook your world or changed your life?
It’s also “A Separation” by Asghar Farhadi. In his works, there is always a character who is hiding something or telling lies. These characters often have desires or dreams they want to fulfill, even if it means going against morality. Rather than directly explaining how strong their desires are, he indirectly expresses them by showing the magnitude of the consequences. I am deeply impressed by this technique and strive to incorporate it into my own directing approach.
5. Are there any Japanese directors of your generation you are inspired by?
No one in particular.
6. What does filmmaking mean to you?
It expands my horizons. Through filmmaking, I’ve experienced the sensation of my knowledge and values being updated.
7. What are you interested in outside of films and filmmaking?
Basketball. Becoming an NBA player used to be my dream.
8. Where’s your happy place?
It’s when I’m shooting a basketball alone in the gym. I can find peace in it as I can clear my mind completely.
9. What are the customs or phenomena that are unique to Japan that you want other people to know?
It’s the spirit of caring and considering of others. While it can sometimes lead to trouble, I still think it’s an admiring aspect of Japanese culture.
10. Where would you be in 10 years?
I don’t know… I just hope I’ll be spending quality time with my family.
ABOUT YOUR FILM “SAYONARA, GIRLS.“
1. What is your favorite moment in the film? (no spoilers)
When graduates enter the auditorium on the day of the graduation ceremony.
I put a lot of work into the sound effects to create the dynamism this scene needed.
2. Why did you decide to write/make this film?
I was offered this opportunity after I made the film “Kalanchoe”. I read the original novel and felt that it depicted the realistic emotions and behaviors of high school students. I was confident I could contribute to this story, so I accepted the offer.
3. Were there any films that you watched as a reference or a source of inspiration?
“The Kirishima Thing” by Daihachi Yoshida
“Someone” by Daisuke Miura
“A Good Husband” by Isao Yukisada
4. Was there any music you were listening to or book you were reading while you were making this film?
None in particular.
5. Any fun behind-the-scenes anecdotes or episodes you’d like to share?
Since the filming took place under the COVID-19 pandemic, there was almost no opportunity for the actors to communicate with each other before the shoot. Nevertheless, the interactions between the actors appear as if they had spent three years together as classmates. That’s definitely a demonstration of their amazing talent. We were blessed with a wonderful cast.
Message to our audience about “Sayonara, Girls.”
I made this film with the feeling that the event of “graduation”, in which a person is forcibly expelled from the world they have lived in, regardless of one’s own intentions, with no possibility of returning once departed, parallels the concept of “death” in some ways. In the film, the girls grow into adulthood as they struggle and come to accept what is hard to accept. I believe the narrative transcends a mere high school story and prompts reflection on how each of us will live in the moment as we all move toward the “end of life” that will eventually come to all of us. I hope you enjoy it.
ABOUT YOUR FILM “KALANCHOE“
1. What is your favorite moment in the film? (no spoilers)
It’s not about specific moments or scenes, but rather, throughout the film, I entrusted the acting to the autonomy of the actors. As a result, their performances came out very natural and authentic. I would be happy if you could pay attention to that.
2. Why did you decide to write/make this film?
This film focuses on the theme of LGBTQ. While there are many films depicting the experiences of an individual in LGBTQ community, when I started writing for this film, I realized there was a lack of films portraying the perspectives of those around them. This realization inspired me to create a film from that point of view.
3. Were there any films that you watched as a reference or a source of inspiration?
“Phenomenon” by Jon Turteltaub
“Hana and Alice” by Shunji Iwai
“Halfway” by Eriko Kitagawa
4. Was there any music you were listening to or book you were reading while you were making this film?
None in particular.
5. Any fun behind-the-scenes anecdotes or episodes you’d like to share?
We shot this film in a high school that is still in use today. Therefore, the set design was what the actual school looked like, not props. Most of the extras were also students at the school. I believe we were able to emulate the authentic atmosphere of a school in the film because we shot on the actual school location.
Message to our audience about “Kalanchoe”
I feel that the film ultimately illustrates the dilemma of “doing what one believes to be right”. What I consider obvious isn’t necessarily what the other person find obvious. Things that make me feel happy might make someone else feel uncomfortable. This film demonstrates the intricacies of human communication. That being said, we cannot avoid interpersonal communication altogether, as our society wouldn’t function that way. We must continue to strive for better relationships through trial and error. We shouldn’t give up on understanding each other, even if we hurt and get hurt in the process. I’d be very happy if that message resonates with you through this film.