On November 23rd (Thursday), starting from 11:30 at NTT CRED Hall No.1, the screening and talk show of “Village” took place as the 15th anniversary opening movie of the Hiroshima International Film Festival (HIFF).

After the screening, lead actor YOKOHAMA Ryusei and Director FUJII Michihito walked down the red carpet. The applause of the audience broke out as they took the stage. The two, known for their close friendship, shared many episodes ranging from behind-the-scenes stories of 'Village' to their personal lives. The event was hosted by freelance personality KIMURA Michita.

This film is a human suspense film set in the fictional, isolated village; “Kamon-mura”, addressing social issues such as environmental problems, poverty, and inequality. YOKOHAMA Ryusei acted as KATAYAMA Yu, a young man working at a waste disposal site.

Despite being a socially conscious drama, the initial concept for this film was entirely different, with plans for a meteorite to fall on and explode the village. After directorial changes as Director FUJII was taking over the project, the original script was rewritten, and the production went into high gear. Sharing this type of story about the birth of the film, Director FUJII jokingly told, “Maybe Yu could have been a primitive-man (laughter),” and elicited laughter filled the venue. Director FUJII also revealed anecdotes about co-star FURUTA Arata, who played the role of the village chief. “Mr. FURUTA was constantly drinking on set.” Regarding NAKAMURA Shido (Appears as a police detective), YOKOHAMA mentioned, “He asked if I followed him on Instagram! He's quite sensitive (more than I imagined) (laughter).” The two also praised NAKAMURA for his excellent acting of “Noh”; a Japanese traditional stage performance. “ Mr. Shido has beauty in everyday gestures which he learned from Kabuki. I’d like to use his style of gestures as reference,” YOKOHAMA said.

YOKOHAMA shared his lasting impression of the final scene, expressing how various emotions flooded back, and he reflected that the last part was so special for him. Director FUJII also praised YOKOHAMA's facial expression in the last scene, and revealed that it became the last scene witnessed by the film's producer, KAWAMURA Mitsunobu, who passed away last year.

The two are so close that they regularly watch YouTube together. They first met nearly a decade ago when both were struggling actor and director. They remembered a time when they looked at fellow actors who were discussing a hard schedule coming up on the film set, thinking, “Watch us in the future!” When they reunited at the Japan Academy Awards after a long time, YOKOHAMA received the New Actors Award, and FUJII received the Excellent Director‘s Award. YOKOHAMA said “I was so proud.” He added, “Director FUJII brings out the best in me. I trust him.” Director FUJII admired YOKOHAMA, “Ryusei, you continually acquire various certifications like boxing and diving for each project. It is so amazing!” However, YOKOHAMA modestly replied, “It feels weird to portray things I can't do. I'm just doing it because I can't express what I don't have,” laughter from the audience followed.

Finally, HEYA Kyoko, the president of this film festival and the production designer for this film, handed over a bouquet to YOKOHAMA. YOKOHAMA expressed his joy, saying, “I'm really happy that the assistant director of the film I'm currently shooting started their career in this industry under the influence of “Village”. I keenly felt the power of movies to change someone's life.” He concluded by stating his determination to tackle every one of his works will be done diligently to create works that touch someone's heart.” Director FUJII closed the event by saying, “Thank you to the many movie fans who gathered here. This kind of opportunity is very precious and important. We will do our best not to extinguish this flame, so please continue to support us.” They then received enthusiastic applause.