A Message from Director Akio Imaseki Arrives from Belgrade

"Laika/LAIKA" is the third film by Director Imaseki set in a former Soviet republic, following "Karina's Apple – The Forest of Chernobyl" (2011) in Belarus and "Klevani, Tunnel of Love" (2014) in Ukraine.

The free-spirited and uninhibited Laika builds a subtle, almost romantic friendship with Yulia, a Russian woman pursuing an acting career in Moscow. However, a certain incident causes their relationship to take a sharp, unexpected turn... Through the intense time spent by the two women, the film portrays the "fragility of living solely through the strength of one's affection for another," and has already garnered high praise through festival screenings in Russia and Los Angeles.

The role of Laika is played by Sae Miyajima, a Cinderella girl discovered through auditions. Her passionate performance, remarkable for a film debut, earned her the Best New Actress award at the "2017 Japan Film Festival Los Angeles."

To witness the world premiere, Director Akio Imaseki flew to Belgrade and participated in a post-screening Q&A session with the audience. His comments from the location, along with messages for the Serbian screening from co-stars Sae Miyajima and Kseniya Aristratova, who could not attend, have arrived.

Director Akio Imaseki: Comments
I am truly delighted that the world premiere screening is taking place in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia.
There is a little-known connection between Serbia and Japan. Many are unaware that Serbia provided the largest amount of aid among European nations following the Great East Japan Earthquake. I am grateful that "Laika/LAIKA," a story of love transcending nationality and gender, could be screened in Serbia, a country not economically affluent. A large audience of diverse nationalities and ages gathered at the venue, captivated by the film. Sitting among the audience, I saw a young woman weeping during a scene, and another person spontaneously approached me to say, "This scene is truly wonderful!" I was deeply moved. The end credits were met with thunderous applause, and I found myself in tears. I am so glad that the journey of "Laika/LAIKA" began here in Belgrade, Serbia!

Sae Miyajima: Message
I am truly happy that the people of Serbia will be able to see this film. Through this work, I learned how deeply one can love another. I hope that those who watch it will feel the same.

Kseniya Aristratova: Message
When I first read the script for this film, I pondered how I could best bring it to life. In the end, I feel I was able to perform as I had envisioned. I hope that those who see the film will enjoy it. Thank you!

Laika/LAIKA
Director | Akio Imaseki
Screenplay | Akira Ishikawa
Cast | Sae Miyajima, Kseniya Aristratova
Year of Production | 2017
Country of Production | Japan
Production | IS FIELD
Release Date | Scheduled for nationwide release in Fall 2017