Take Two: Lexus Announces The 2nd Lexus Short Film Series
Two rising young film makers, Jon Goldman and Satsuki Okawa, working with script writer Ken Ochiai, were selected by Lexus to create the new works for the second annual Life is Amazing Lexus Short Film Series. They have been mentored through the process by leading movie professionals.
The completed works are Market Hours, written and directed by Jon Goldman, and Operation Barn Owl, directed by Satsuki Okawa, written by Ken Ochiai. More details about both movies are given below.
The movies’ first screening took place today at the Short Shorts Film Festival in Tokyo, with the film makers in attendance. Further premieres are also planned in New York and Los Angeles, prior to both films being released theatrically at the end of July; worldwide and online release will follow in October.
Mark Templin, Executive Vice President Lexus International, said: “It’s an honour to continue our shared inspiration to make an impact on the craft of film making. We’re proud to shine a light on the passion, innovation and artistry that guide this year’s rising film makers as they open our eyes to their interpretation of Life is Amazing.”
The films’ progress and festival screening schedule can be followed at http://www.lexusshortfilms.com/ from today (29 May).
Why Lexus chooses to support short film production
In conjunction with its product innovations, Lexus aims to elevate artistry and deliver fundamental enjoyment through the creation of luxurious spaces, moments and feelings. One example of this is its support for young creatives and their fresh ideas through the Life is Amazing Lexus Short Film Series.
The films
Market Hours
Randall spends his days imagining the vibrant inner lives of the vendors at the multicultural city market where works, none more so than Angela, an angel with her own pastry shop. Randall’s inattention to his work has led to a string of thefts and threatens to cost him his job. A chance encounter with a beautiful starlet and her lapdog gives him the chance not only to break the ice with Angela, but also to prove his worth to everyone at the market, including himself.
About Jon Goldman, writer and director: Jon graduated from Stanford University with a degree in English literature and creative writing. His short film Diplomacy, a wry look at the power of interpreters working at top-level negotiations between the USA and Iran, played at more than two dozen film festivals worldwide, winning a number of jury and audience awards. He works as both a director and scriptwriter in Europe and America.
Operation Barn Owl: Ellen and her friends band together to help best friend Jonah create a picturesque proposal for his girlfriend. However, Ellen has to overcome her feelings for Jonah and their past promises to each other if the proposal is to go as planned.
About Satuski Okawa, director and co-writer: Born in Tokyo, Satsuki graduated from Nihon University College of Arts and went to gain a fine arts masters degree at Columbia University in New York. She went on to direct several short films, including Koyuki’s Wandering Football, which was commissioned for the Japanese Professional Football League’s 20th anniversary project. Last year her work Little Kyota Neon Hood gained acclaim on the international film festival circuit, winning awards both in Japan and overseas.
About Ken Ochiai, co-writer: Ken left his hometown of Tokyo after graduating from high school, travelling to the USA where he went on to graduate from the USC School of Cinematic Art with a BA degree in production in 2006. In 2008 he gained an MFA in directing from the America Film Institute Conservatory. He has made more than 30 short films, commercials and music videos, including Half Kenneth, which won a Jury Prize from the Directors Guild of America, and Frog in the Well, winner of the Heartland Film Festival’s Crystal Award. He has directed three feature films, including Tiger Mask, released in Asia last year.
