I had the opportunity to attend a preview screening of Mr. Okuyama’s film during my stay in Japan. It was our first reunion since our conversation in June 2023.当時、I think it was around the time in our conversation that he was talking about heading into a new field. From photographer to film director.It’s good to be fearless.Director Okuyama’s AT THE BENCH is an omnibus feature film consisting of five short stories.What I think when I look at the work is that the words are interesting. Leave a lasting impression.Something that will make you think and make you laugh. There are many such words.This point is what I remember when we had the conversation.
It’s a series of five conversation plays with different colors set on the same bench, and I think there are points that different people can relate to. Based on my mood today, I liked episode 3 and episode 4. After talking with Mr. Okuyama and watching his films, I realized that there are some similarities between us. If I were to force myself to put it into words, perhaps it means that I spend an extremely long time facing myself, and that I boldly take on challenges and evolution.
The movie “AT THE BENCH” and the words that appear in it are wonderful, so please go to the theater and see it.
Text: Suguru Osako
Photo: Kohei Adachi