After the uncertainties and the seemingly long postponements of film festivals around the world, we are glad to see that Law Fajardo’s Kintsugi (Broken) has also been included in this year’s Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino which will be screened online through FDCP’s https://fdcpchannel.ph . Those who wish to see it may simply purchase Premium Festival Passes from the site. You may also visit https://m.facebook.com/fdcpppp for additional information.
Viewers may watch Kintsugi on these dates:
NOVEMBER 28 – 4PM *There will also be a talkback 6-7:10 pm
DECEMBER 4 – 8PM
DECEMBER 7 -8PM
QUICK QUESTIONS : ‘KINTSUGI’ FEMALE LEAD HIRO NISHIUCHI
In filmmaking—in fact in all collective undertakings—we have often heard it said that there is no such thing as a small role, and this is very true; a role only seems small if the person who holds it does not value it, or work hard for it. Directors, writers, producers, production designers, sound recordists, cameramen, the ‘water-boys’—everybody needs the help of everybody. Actors have a great responsibility in filmmaking, and their performance will affect the outcome of the film; sometimes their name alone can guarantee success in the box office, but certainly we appreciate actors who take their craft seriously and do not rely on their appearance alone.
As our readers will notice, we do not make it a habit to publish actors’ interviews or Q and A’s—however famous or talented they may be— not because we do not value them enough, but because most of the limelight seem to focus on them; there are other publishers whose content centers on celebrities. For the first time we decided to feature an actress: Kintsugi‘s female lead, Hiro Nishiuchi. Perhaps the lady appears shy and humble, but we think she deserves more encouragement and recognition for her acting, considering it is her first time to work with Filipinos, and though her role (as Harue) did not require her to have overly-emotional scenes, we approve of her performance.
It will certainly not hurt to add that Ms. Nishiuchi is also one of Japan’s beauty queens and was designated as Philippine Tourism’s Fun Ambassador to Japan.
OPF : Was Kintsugi your first try at acting? From what we have seen we think you can be proud of yourself. How was the experience?
NISHIUCHI : Thank you very much! That was a nice thing to say. I’ve been acting for some time but Kintsugi was such a good experience because it was the first time I worked with foreigners.
OPF : You worked with a Filipino team. What difficulties did you have?
NISHIUCHI : I was confused at times because of our cultural differences—for example, the fine nuances of words, and regarding the use of time. I was lucky to work with a good production team. Everyone was kind, so I enjoyed filming.
OPF : How did you prepare yourself for the role, what adjustments did you make? What do you think was your biggest challenge?
NISHIUCHI : I received the synopsis in advance, but my lines were only given on the spot in the shoot. But it was good and I played my role and acted naturally. The biggest challenge was working with foreign nationals for the movie—but it turned out to be a good experience!
OPF : What can you say about your fellow actors, and JC Santos?
NISHIUCHI : JC actually learned his Japanese lines which were given to him in the shoot in ten minutes! He was kind and it was easy to work with him, same with the rest of the actors.
OPF : What did you learn in making the film?
NISHIUCHI : I thought Kintsugi was a profound thing. Like life, it can be repaired even if it breaks. It depends on what color you use or apply.
OPF : You are Philippine Tourism’s Fun Ambassador to Japan. Tell us about it.
NISHIUCHI : I visited various places in the Philippines. I went to Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Palawan and Boracay and appeared in PR videos intended for the Japanese people; I appear at the Travel EXPO and talk about the good things in the Philippines, which I also do through interviews published in magazines.
Being the Fun Ambassador to Japan has also landed me on the pages of magazines such as Mega and Scene Zone, and it also gave me the opportunity to appear in the longest-running variety show in the Philippines “Bubble Gang” several times.
I also worked with the Ministry of the Environment and addressed international environmental issues. I also had a chance to work and shoot a PR campaign in Boracay Island when it was closed for renovation. I echoed my experience in Boracay to Japanese locals, and told them how the Philippine Government was exerting so much effort to rehabilitate the island.
OPF : Any message for our readers? Do invite them to watch the film.
NISHIUCHI : Our film Kintsugi was shot in Saga, Kyushu, which is also my hometown. I am very happy to show you the Japanese culture of Kintsugi.
Kintsugi is similar to our lives—even if we get hurt, it is important to accept the pain and make something good out of it.
Each person has his or her own life, but I hope you feel something when you see this movie. May your experience in life be better.
With this, I invite you to watch Kintsugi (Broken). Thank you!
One Philippines Filmmakers 