On Sunday, November 24, 2024, at 1:00 PM, the screening and talk show for the special invitation film “LAYERS” took place at Venue 1 of the NTT CRED Hall. Talent and actress MEGUMI, who served as the concept creator and producer, walked onto the red carpet to a warm round of applause and shared her thoughts on filmmaking and her career.

The film is a short movie set in a house on a hill, portraying the life of a photographer and painter couple. The unique and heartwarming story features a curious twist: though they age, their appearances remain those of children. Produced in 2021, the film has been nominated for several film festivals both in Japan and abroad, earning high praise.

Having watched the film during the screening, MEGUMI reflected, “Watching it again after some time brought back so many memories, and I felt deeply moved.” She spoke about her first-time experience as a producer, a role she took on with a mix of excitement and anxiety. She praised the lead actors, who masterfully portrayed the complex roles of a couple aging into old age while maintaining their childlike appearances. Special effects included applying prosthetic makeup to children and using VFX to create an aged look, a groundbreaking technique globally. “While it was a tough journey, it was truly one of the best times of my life,” she recalled.

MEGUMI, known for her multifaceted career as a talent and actress, also discussed what motivated her to step into the role of creator. “In showbiz, no matter how hard you work, there’s no job without an offer. I felt a sense of crisis about this passive approach to work, and during the pandemic, I decided to start creating myself. I made a series of one-minute, three-episode dramas on Instagram, which I found so enjoyable that I quickly ended up making six projects.” Since then, the title of producer has become an integral part of her identity.

Despite her multifaceted success, MEGUMI admitted to having insecurities about it. “When you’re doing so many things, you can start to wonder which one is ‘authentic.’ But now, I realize that because of my diverse experiences, I’ve been given opportunities like being invited to this film festival. I’ve finally come to appreciate that my journey hasn’t been a bad one after all.”

Earlier this year, MEGUMI organized Japan Night at the Cannes Film Festival, promoting Japanese cinema on an international stage. She pointed out the underrepresentation of women in key filmmaking roles globally and noted that Japan, in particular, has very few female producers or directors.
“On a TV program I appeared on, I learned that Japanese women have the lowest self-esteem globally. That was shocking to me. As I reflected on the struggles of balancing work, womanhood, and motherhood, I became more determined to create works that support and empower women. That commitment has become my driving force.”

When asked to share a message for young people, she offered this advice: “We live in an age of abundant information, and many people feel as though they know a lot—but in reality, they’ve experienced very little. Experiencing things first hand builds confidence. Try everything. It’s challenging, but as you accumulate experiences, life as an adult becomes enjoyable. Don’t forget to live with this in mind.”

With resounding applause, MEGUMI left the stage, leaving a powerful impression on the audience.