At the 「9th Okinawa International Movie Festival」, which was held until the 23rd, there was a special invitation screening for the movie 『Karanukan』. It is a love story that is told through Okinawa’s overwhelming nature and culture. During the special screening on the 23rd, lead actor GACKT-san, newcomer Kimura Suzuka-san who plays the heroine, Kimura Yuichi-san, a.k.a. Kimu-ni, and director Hamano Yasuhiro appeared.

Director Hamano is a lifestyle producer known for the overall production of Tokyu Hands, QFRONT, and more. Apparently, he had wanted to try filming a movie, and when it came to starring, he decided that 「There’s no one else besides GACKT」, and through a mutual acquaintance, he made a heartfelt appeal to him.

With regards to this, GACKT said 「I’ve always had the thought of wanting to repay Okinawa, and I thought that I might be able to do that if I acted in this movie」, and that he gave the answer that he would like some time to think about whether he will accept the offer or not.

However, 「The director decided on his own that that was me “readily agreeing” to it. His belief is intense, and he’s a very strange person」 he added, revealing the director’s pushiness.

GACKT also recalled what it was like during filming, that he was a strange person from start to end, with his state during filming being unusual too. Like occasions when, for example, without looking in at the camera’s viewfinder at all, he suddenly says 「Okayー!」 and cuts the shoot while the camera is still running.

Also, Kanoh Tenmei-san was also involved in this movie to give guidance on photography. Kanoh-san thought that GACKT-san’s role in this movie was like Kanoh-san himself when he was young, and 「This person too is someone with intense belief」 said GACKT-san. The audience laughed.

GACKT-san acts as the photographer Ooyama, who, when visiting Okinawa, meets a beautiful girl Maumi, who is acted by Kimura Suzuka-san. She was picked through an audition during last year’s Okinawa International Movie Festival, and won the role of a superb heroine. It is a decorated onscreen debut.

During this time’s stage greeting, she was unable to hide her nervousness but she kept her eyes on GACKT-san and looked at him, while GACKT-san casually followed up, appearing to trust him completely. GACKT-san, too, said 「I may appear like this but I’m a person who doesn’t have walls」 with a cool expression.

One can touch on Okinawa’s wonderful land and mythology through this movie 『Karanukan』, which will be released in September of 2017.

Source: filmaga.filmarks.com

Translation: GACKT ITALIA Team

Translation © GACKT ITALIA