Overseas screenings of films nominated at Sapporo Short Fest (SSF) began under the title “Sapporo Short Fest World Tour”. The California Independent Film Festival (CIFF) in Livermore, California became the first venue. This year the festival screened several SSF2008 films and took place from April 16th to April 20th.
The words “Sapporo Shorts” appeared outside the theater.
SSF’s connection with CIFF began when Sappro director Eiji Shimada entered his film “6pm” and won an award for Best Mini Short. Since then, CIFF has been a valuable ally to SFF, exchanging many of their best films. The Sapporo Short program at CIFF has been a continuing success. The Grandpris winner of SSF2008 and the 2009 Academy Awards Nominee, “Auf der Strecke”(On The Line) directed by Reto Caffi, stood out from the crowd.
Committee Chairman Masami Yamagishi informs attendees about the program.
Inside the venue.
An SSF Q&A with Yamagishi chairman and Kubo
It all started with director Shimada (center). His new film, "Silent Lake" was screened in the official competition this year. He also gave a Q&A.
SSF flyers were placed throughout the venues. Many filmmakers attending CIFF decided to submit to SSF.
Team SSF consisted of Committee Chairman Yamagishi and Kubo, translator Ikuko Kashima, LA coordinator David Neptune, director Shimada and assistant Jimba, for a total of 6 members.
Team SSF and CIFF volunteers.
Several Hollywood celebrities attended CIFF and seminars and talk shows took place. Although CIFF may not be the largest of festivals, the small scale and warm atmosphere provides rare opportunities for anyone to speak personally with well-known industry professionals.
Legendary hippie Wavy Gravy. He was once the announcer at Wood Stock and is the "official clown" for the Grateful Dead. A film featuring his life called "Saint Misbehavin': The Wavy Gravy Movie" is also well known.
A talk show took place to honor the 20th anniversary of the film Rain Man.
Screenwriter Barry Morrow as well as Kim Peek, who the story of Rain Man was based upon, were given the Spirit Award.
Kim travels the country lecturing along with his father Fran, who continues to love and support his son.
Barry Morrow (left), Kim Peek (center), and father Fran Peek (right).
CIFF Golden Slate Award winner and director Mark Rydell (third from right). He participates in many international film festivals as a jury member and serves as director for the New York Actors Studio. His film "On Golden Pond" starring Henry and Jane Fonda and Catherine Hepburn was nominated for 10 academy awards.
The glamorous Awards Ceremony took place in the Blackhawk Museum among countless classic cars.
Actress Diane Ladd.
On the right is actor Marc McClure who starred in Superman, Back To The Future, and other films.
On the left is director Jacco Groen. His film was selected for the 2008 SSF.
Even a successful festival like CIFF could not take place without the support of the volunteers, who all dedicate their time and effort to make the festival the best it could possibly be.
Volunteers working hard at their assigned areas.
Sapporo and California; Thanks to these international film festivals, the people of two cities across a vast ocean can connect with one another.
The intercross of cultures across borders has taken place through films, giving the medium an important role in society.
CIFF　Official Site
http://caindiefilmfest.org/calindie/gallery.html
Story: Toshiya Kubo
Translation: David Neptune
News List
Archive
