A Film Festival for Children That Adults Should See

This summer, I was also appointed an executive committee member for the "Kinder Film Festival." This festival, directed by Renate Zill, director of the children's film section "Kinder Film Fest Berlin" at the Berlin International Film Festival—one of the world's three major film festivals—carefully selects works shown in Berlin that are deemed worthy of introduction to Japan, and screens them every summer. This year marked its 16th iteration. The venues were the "Chofu City Cultural Hall 'Tazukuri'" and "Green Hall Sagamihara" in the city of Chofu, a hub for film with over 40 film-related companies, and the "Aoyama Round Theater, Children's Castle."

I only learned of the festival's existence when I was offered the role, but I was deeply moved by the truly wonderful films gathered from around the world. They even feature initiatives like live dubbing by voice actors, similar to benshi storytellers, so that children who can't read subtitles can enjoy foreign films, and even voice acting workshops.

It was a new experience for me as well, but while fumbling through it, I had the chance to perform live dubbing for two short animated films, 'The Unforgettable Gift' and 'Marlene and Florian.'

What's truly remarkable is the diversity of the submitted films and their high quality. As I watched them, I realized that while of course, the language and direction were chosen to be understandable to children, every single film was one that adults, no, especially adults, should see.

Meeting new friends, the feelings of losing someone dear, the bonds between people torn apart by war, the joy of art, the wonder of imagination... Regardless of whether they were feature-length or short, live-action or animation, each film was brimming with such important messages, stirring the soul. They conveyed what adults truly want to tell children, unconcerned with mere popularity.

This festival is something parents and children can enjoy together. I've always been interested in charity and volunteer work, and I've tried to do what I can, however small. Through this work, I've encountered another wonderful world. Despite being held for 16 years, it still feels relatively unknown to me. The organizing committee is supported by dedicated volunteers, and after experiencing the festival for the first time, I felt that it needs to be known by many more people.

From next year, I want to help with promotion by visiting various places. I've also found a job that I feel I can continue for a long time.

20 Years Since Encountering My "Treasure"

Mr. Yanase initially said about Anpanman, "He's an uncool hero." Indeed, Anpanman weakens when his face is torn off, and he has many flaws, often becoming listless. But through Anpanman's form, I feel he was conveying something very important: "Helping others isn't easy, and it's not always about being cool."

Thinking about it in my own terms, it's natural to get tired or worn out just by earnestly caring for or accepting someone. Isn't "Soreike! Anpanman" a work that subtly conveys, within its warm atmosphere, how difficult yet important it is to want to do something for others, even when you know it might be detrimental to yourself?