On November 26th (Sun) from 14:00, the Japan Premiere of Director HAMAGUCHI Ryusuke's latest work, "Evil Does Not Exist" was held at NTT CRED Hall's No.1.

Set in a town of Nagano Prefecture, where nature is rich, the film depicts agitated feelings aroused in the negotiation between a talent agency seeking government subsidies to build a glamping facility in the town and the local residents. The film, which won the Silver Lion at the 80th Venice International Film Festival and the Best Film award in the competition section at the BFI London Film Festival, made its Japanese debut at this screening.

After the screening, Director HAMAGUCHI, singer-songwriter ISHIBASHI Hideko in charge of the music, and cast members OMIKA Hitoshi, NISHIKAWA Rei, KOSAKA Ryushi, and SHIBUTANI Ayaka walked down the red carpet and got on stage. The talk show was conducted by freelance personality KIMURA Michita.

Director HAMAGUCHI and ISHIBASHI first met during the filming of "Drive My Car," whose main location of the filming was Hiroshima. Director HAMAGUCHI stated, "At the time, we had a wonderful experience in Hiroshima, and Ishibashi and I could do a very good job. This film is a continuation of that, so I'm very happy to screen it in Hiroshima today." They then received warm applause from the audience.

Interestingly, this film project originated when ISHIBASHI requested Director HAMAGUCHI to create movies for her live performance. While initially considering incorporating her live performance into silent video, ISHIBASHI felt that Director HAMAGUCHI's usual approach to create his work would produce a more interesting work and suggested that he do so. Then it led to the creation of this film. The original project of the silent version evolved into the Japan Premiere of "GIFT" on November 23rd (Thu) in Tokyo, where Ishibashi played the live music spontaneously.

Cast members OMIKA and KOSAKA were originally staff members on Director HAMAGUCHI's films. This time, the director asked them to act, and they joined as actors. OMIKA expressed, "Participating as an actor was a good experience which can be beneficial for continuing my career as a staff member." KOSAKA said, "This was firstly a silent film and I thought it was why I was invited, then I got a six-page script," prompting laughter in the venue.

NISHIKAWA said, "This is the first time for me to hold a microphone and speak in front of a large audience like this. It was enjoyable to eat lunch together during filming and to experience detailed and considerate script readings." SHIBUYA added with a smile, "There were moments when I felt everyone was thinking the same thing would be good. I really had enjoyed the filming and learned a lot," reflecting on the production period.

In conclusion, Director HAMAGUCHI remarked to the audience, saying, "This film has jumped out far beyond my expectation. I'd like to let it swim freely and see how it turns out." The film is scheduled for nationwide release on April 26, 2024.