Renoir director Chie Hayakawa turns sadness into art

Chie Hayakawa was in elementary school when she decided to want to be a film producer. The Tokyoite continues to study photography at the New York Institute of Visual Arts and then releases her groundbreaking short “Niagara,” a story about a girl living with her grandmother who is dementia accompanied by dementia. It was selected in the Cinéfondation section of the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.

Hayakawa’s debut feature, Plan 75eight years later. A highly acclaimed dystopian drama involving government-sponsored euthanasia programs for all Japanese citizens aged 75 and older to address the country’s aging society, was awarded the camera D’OR or a special mention at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival.

Her latest movie, RenoirThis is a semi-autobiographical adult story set up in Tokyo in the late 1980s, a girl named Fuki whose father is battling advanced cancer and was recently nominated for the famous Palme d’Or or award at the 78th Annual Cannes Film Festival. Hayakawa recently with Tokyo weekend About the movie.

Chie hayakawa’s full interview

Why did you decide to make Renoir?

My previous movies, Plan 75, It is a release-driven movie. So, I want to do something different. A movie about emotions that I can’t describe in words. I always wanted to make a movie about 11-year-olds because I was about that age and I was just beginning to think about being a filmmaker. For my future movies, I have a lot of thoughts and scenes in my mind.

©Renoir – Loading Movies

You mentioned Plan 75, which also involves preemptive grief. How is the connection between these two movies? What is it like to shoot such a personal movie from an emotional perspective?

My personal experiences with my father have influenced my views on death, solidarity, and human dignity. So, I think you have similar basic themes in both movies. For me, production Renoir It’s like finding your own journey. I have a new perspective on childhood.

What kind of movie inspired you when making this movie?

I was inspired by a movie with kids as the main character moveVictor Erice The spirit of the hive and François Truffaut 400 strikes, To name just a few.

Why did you decide Renoir as the title?

I want to have a title that has no specific meaning. I like a contrast between a story about a little Japanese girl and a French painter. However, after the release of the film in Cannes, many people mentioned that it was like an Impressionist painting. The picture starts to appear with many strokes and colors. Renoir There are a lot of small plots that don’t look like they’re connected to each other, but the collection of these episodes helps give you something special to the movie and I hope to make a lasting impression.

©Renoir – Loading Movies

The film includes a story about pedophiles that attempts to embellish Fudge via a phone chat chat line. Why are you included?

Girls are constantly facing this danger. Sometimes they don’t understand what’s going on, but they feel fear or uneasy. They also have curiosity about sexual things of that age. I want to portray a girl’s complex feelings and painful experiences. How a man’s desire hurts her dignity.

Why did you choose the song “Rydeen” in the movie?

That was the song I danced at summer camp when I was a kid. Furthermore, the film was made in 1987, so I think it also reflects the enthusiasm of Japan during the bubble period.

Telepathy is another theme in the movie. Are you interested in this growth?

Yes, I was attracted. As a teenager, I practiced a lot. I want to believe it exists and miracles are possible.

©Renoir – Loading Movies

Yui Suzuki is the first child to participate in the position. Did you impress her? What kind of cooperation does she like?

I found that she had her own universe inside her. She is a very creative artist, brave and comfortable in front of the camera. I really like her strong gaze. However, once I threw her away, I expected coaching the child would be very challenging. However, it is very easy to work with YUI. I didn’t really give her detailed instructions. I just let her do what she wants to do. She acted naturally. She has real talent.

What about the performances of Lily Franky and Hikari Ishida?

Lily Franky reminds me of Chishu Ryu because his performance is so minimal, his presence, just standing or sitting, makes a deep and real impression. I was impressed by Hikari Ishida’s performance as she embodies her mother’s frustration, despair and weakness.

How does it feel to be nominated for Palme d’Or?

As a filmmaker, I feel honored and very encouraged. But at the same time, it is very surreal to see my name among other legendary filmmakers. For a long time, it wasn’t real. Of course, I would love to nominate again. My future goal, however, is to continue making my soul.

Renoir is Shinjuku Piccadilly Cinema With English subtitles until July 17.

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