5th OKINAWA INTERNATIONAL MOVIE FESTIVAL

The Okinawa International Movie Festival kicked off with a relaxed and playful opening ceremony in an arena built on an elegant beachfront.

The salty smell of sea air apparently affected even the MC and the usually staid translators who made jokes and exchanged gags as they introduced and interpreted for the luminaries.

A talented brass brand from the local Mashiki Junior High School in Ginowan city kicked things off with some tunes and a performance of conventional flag and baton twirling. The festive atmosphere was immediately apparent as a jovial Hiroshi Osaki, CEO of Yoshimoto Kogyo, delivered his remarks with a light tone. Osaki related the fest is in its fifth year and “we have learned many things in these 5 years.” He shifted to a serious tone saying, “when we laugh we can forgive. Our concept of Laugh & Peace will hopefully help develop Okinawa.”

Next up was the popular Governor of Okinawa Hirokazu Nakaima, who looked typically laid-back in an open-necked shirt. He noted the particular resonance between the fest and the Okinawan character, saying, “the concept of Love & Peace will last throughout the fest and hopefully last forever in Okinawa.” He pledged his full support for the festival in this and future incarnations.

The energetic Mayor of Ginowan city, Atsushi Sakima, took the stage next and called on local residents to stand up and be seen. He then bellowed, “let’s make the festival rock!” Needless to say this got the crowd riled up and into the spirit of a high-energy festival.

The Mayor of nearby Chatan city was more serious, and referred to the program sponsored by the fest to develop Okinawan filmmakers. “I’d like to thank Mr. Osaki for visiting 41 local areas and helping them create work that can disseminated all over Japan, and the world.”

Perhaps the most optimistic speaker was Ichita Yamamoto, a Member of Parliament. He asserted, “The Okinawa International Movie Festival will become more famous than the festivals in Cannes or Venice!” Clearly what the fest lacks in fame it makes up for in enthusiasm.

The ceremony also introduced the Special Invitation films and the Competition films, vying for a “Laugh” prize and a “Peace” prize. This highlighted the international nature of the proceedings, where all work in these categories has English subtitles, and primed the crowd to watch some film!