Late last year I was invited to be part of a short film project. It was about Japanese Emperor Gotoba, who was exiled to Oki Islands after the Jōkyū Disturbance in 1221. The circumstances of his exile are so complicated that I honestly don’t quite understand all the finer details but I do know it was a significant event in Japan’s history. A website has been set up that will do a far better job explaining the significance of this event and the life and events surrounding Emperor Gotoba. Check it out – gotobain-kensyo.com
The Short Film- Emperor Gotoba
It took multiple shoots on ferries, in the ocean, and at the shrine built in his honour that also houses his grave. There were fancy 3D image scanning, multiple drones, and voice recordings involved before people much more skilled than I stitched it all into the 2-minute short film below.
I have a new level of respect for the work needed to produce, record, and edit films. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am grateful to have played a small part. What do you think of the film? Let me know in a comment below or on Twitter @jamaipanese. Also check out my own attempt at a shortfilm – Goodbye Spring, Hello Summer.