NEWS

Winning Post: Tomoichiro Setsuda

Oh how we love Japanese work – especially the quirky, off-beat pieces such as Tomoichiro Setsuda’s, who picked up first prize in our Asia/Pacific category for his short film. Here we quick quiz the new director and hope there’s nothing lost in translation…

What have been your highlights since winning at the YDA show in Cannes six months ago?
I  realised the joy of directing films.

What’s the best film making lesson you’ve learnt?
Some directing should be seen and other directing hidden on purpose.

And the wisest quote about film making?
Shooting must go on in the rain, in the heavy snow…

Your worst nightmare production story was when….
it snowed a lot the day before shooting.

What would be your dream directing job next year?
I’d like to direct a feature film.

List five of your favourite films from the past year –  these can be long or short formats.

The Wind Rises
Kawaki
Kirishima, bukatsu yamerutteyo
Ruroni Kenshin
Despicable Me 2

Other News

Earlybird deadline coming up

The first deadline for 2026 is around the corner. At midnight March 1, submission prices for this  More…

The Producer’s Responsibility when the machine knocks on the door

For many young directors today, it has become possible to create images, worlds and moods  More…

YDA2026 Open for Entries

This year’s Young Director Award has opened its doors for the next wave of directorial talent.  More…

YDA Announces 2026 Jury Chair

Mal Ward, Partner in and Managing Director of Arts & Sciences, will be 2026 Jury  More…

Getting to grips with Turkish oil wrestling​

Directors Jan Hellwich and Samet Yalcin won a Gold this year for their passion project Turkish  More…

How Alexander Kuehn made a girl fly

With three Gold awards under his belt for his epic short If I Could Fly, Alexander  More…