The 4th Sapporo International Short Film Festival and Market (SSF) was held from October 14th to the 18th, inviting a large audience and filmmakers from around the world. Gathering 3,411 short films from 97 countries and regions around the world, the best 160 films were screened at the festival, but the local Sapporo filmmakers were the ones that left a lasting impression this year.
First, in the unique filmmaker program, Reiko Yokosuka, featured in the May 2009 creator's interview article, was chosen as the grand prix winner. She commented modestly at the awards ceremony, "I'm not sure I should receive this award," but her work featuring animated ink paintings received admiration from the jury members. She became the first Sapporo local to win a grand prix award.
Congratulations!
Sapporo local Reiko Yokosuka received the grand prix award in the filmmaker section.
Also, the Best Sapporo Short went to animation "Senkoroll" by Atsuya Uki, former ICC resident and animator currently working in Sapporo.
The scenery presented in the film surprised many in the audience as it took us on a journey through the city of Sapporo. Produced and drawn all by himself, the level of completion gained Atsuya high acclaim.
As it does each year, SSF presented an opportunity to enjoy short films in many genres. In this 4th year for the event, there were many repeat attendees who had anxiously waited for the festival to begin.
The "National & Local B" program, which started on the 17th at 6pm, was particularly popular with the audience. They made a long line out of the door, forcing many to stand at the back of the theater during the screening.
The filmmakers received a standing ovation from a full theater, their expressions of pride leaving an impression on all who attended.
Some programs were so popular that there weren't enough seats for the entire audience to sit.
The filmmakers receiving applause from the audience.
Some unique characteristics of SSF are that it provides a "market" for buyers to view and purchase films, holds seminars featuring the possibilities of the content business, and filmmakers can network through seminars and events that present their work.
The live talk on October 14th presented "Spotrights", a content market system, to buyers and filmmakers.
The buyers commented, "in Europe, organizations that once supported the distribution of short films are disappearing, which makes it more difficult to find high-quality short films." They seemed to have high hopes for the spotrights system.
The "spotrights" seminar was a great success.
In addition, an SSF jury member and actor starring in "Superman" and "Back to the Future", Marc McClure, held a live talk event. His energetic and friendly personality put the audience under a spell that lasted until he finished speaking.
Marc gave photographs at the end of the event, signing them left and right, making for a memorable event for all.
Marc McClure brought the audience back to the future with his passionate presentation.
Already, SSF will welcome its fifth anniversary next year.
What works and filmmakers will we meet then?
I can hardly wait to find out.
Next year is the fifth anniversary for SSF. We look forward to meeting more new talent.
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