THROUGH THE ROOTS, 3min., Japan
Directed by George Komuro
A short poetic film depicting a conversation between two trees, reflecting on the past, present, and uncertain future of the natural world.
https://japanscreenhub.com/
Get to know the filmmaker:
1. What motivated you to make this film?
I wanted to create a short film about climate change and the damage humans have caused to nature. However, I did not want to present the topic in a direct or conventional way. Instead, I chose to tell the story through a quiet conversation between two trees. Since trees live much longer than humans, I thought they could offer a unique perspective on environmental destruction, memory, and the future.
2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?
It took about one month from the initial idea to the final version. During and after a filmmaking course I attended in London, I developed the concept, wrote the narration, filmed the footage, recorded the voices, and completed the editing.
3. How would you describe your film in two words!?
Poetic warning.
4. What was the greatest obstacle you faced in completing this film?
The biggest challenge was trying to express such a large and complex environmental issue within a very short film. There are many different environmental problems in the world, and it was difficult to create something emotional and meaningful without showing any human characters.
5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development, Pre-Production, Production, Post-Production, Distribution. What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?
My favorite stage is development. I enjoy thinking about the film’s ideas, message, and structure before production begins. For Through the Roots, this stage was especially important because the entire film is built around its concept and the voices of the two trees.
6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?
I became interested in filmmaking through watching international films and seeing how cinema can communicate emotions, ideas, and social issues. After studying filmmaking in London, I realized that I wanted to continue making films and expressing my own perspective through visual storytelling.
7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?
One film I have watched many times is Drive My Car. I am fascinated by the way it uses silence, conversation, and indirect communication. It made me think deeply about how cinema can express emotions that are difficult to put into words.
8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with or collaborate with on a film?
In an ideal world, I would like to collaborate with filmmakers who are interested in social issues, nature, and human communication. I would also love to work with international creators from different cultural backgrounds, as diverse perspectives can make films richer and more meaningful.
9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experience been working on the festival platform site?
FilmFreeway gave me the opportunity to share my work with film festivals around the world, which is especially valuable for independent and emerging filmmakers. As someone who made a film for the first time, it allowed me to present my work internationally and learn more about the film festival process.
10. What is your favorite meal?
My favorite meal is Japanese curry. It is simple and comforting, and it reminds me of home. Every time I eat it, I feel a sense of nostalgia.
11. What is next for you? A new film?
I plan to continue making short films and would like to work on longer projects in the future. I am particularly interested in films that connect environmental issues, communication, and human relationships. I also want to keep learning about filmmaking, storytelling, and how visual media can encourage people to think about and discuss important issues.
