THE MAGIC VIOLET RABBIT, 13min., Japan
Directed by Kotoko Nakamura
To escape from his dull life, a man wishes to become a wizard.
He wants to be a "real" wizard, not a "fake" one.

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

This film's theme 'Magic' was given when I participate in an exhibition held in Japan in 2017. At first time it was a very short film, I made many serial episodes after that, and at last my film was completed over ten minutes.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took me about 6 years to make it while doing other jobs.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Find out!

(story that find out the truth, story that find out the magic wand, story that a man in red find out his purpose, and the story that I found my purpose (making stop-motion animations))

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

I usually make animation films alone. So it was most difficult to keep my motivation during 6 years.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

It was great experiences. I delighted to watch the video but a little blushed.

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

When I watched the 'RUKA (The Hand)' by Jiří Trnka at first time in 2003, I wanted to try to make a puppet animation film like this.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

'Night on the Galactic Railroad' (1985) Japanese anime film directed by Gisaburo Sugii.

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

'the audience feedback video' is great! They encouraged me! I hope more film festivals will feedback their reviews not only judgement.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

If I upload the information about my film once, I can submit my film to many film festivals by click several buttons. The festival platform site is useful for people who isn't good at English like me.

10. What is your favorite meal?

I like ONIGIRI. ONIGIRI also known as omusubi, nigirimeshi, or rice ball, is a Japanese food made from white rice formed into triangular or cylindrical shapes and often wrapped in nori. (by Wikipedia)

11. What is next for you? A new film?

The violet bird was mistaken a fish in this movie haha, so I want to make a bird puppet. And next time I'll make shorter film than this.