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File.15 Studio Malua "Enoshima Cinema"
Miyuki Inoue (Magcal Editorial Department)
"Enoshima Cinema"
This is a collection of short films made by unique filmmakers on the theme of Enoden, or Enoshima Electric Railway station.
What a charming title and stage!
When it premiered at the Chigasaki Film Festival in late June, tickets were sold out in just a few hours on the first day of sales.
It's not uncommon for dramas to be set in towns along the Enoden line, but this is the first time the Enoden has been the subject of a movie. Certainly, the railway company puts safety first. Taking pictures inside a station or on a platform requires extreme caution, and the hurdles are high.
Under such circumstances, Enoden's understanding and cooperation was obtained because the concept of "regional film production" upheld by the studio Malua, which is in charge of planning and operation, was in line with Enoden's philosophy.
Studio Maulua is hosted by filmmaker and screenwriter Chihiro Yasuda. I fell in love with filmmaking when I was in college, and moved to Chigasaki about two years ago in search of an environment where I could continue making films freely.
"I was vaguely aiming for 'Shonan', so I stayed at a guest house in Kamakura for the time being. During that time, there was a day when it snowed heavily, so I went to Inamuragasaki the next day. I'm sure Mt. Fuji will be beautiful. I thought I could see it, and there were a lot of local people there.As expected, I know him well (laughs).I felt the richness of living in an environment where I could feel nature in a normal way, and I thought, 'Here is the place for filmmaking.' I thought, let's make a base."
After settling down in Chigasaki, Yasuda established the film community studio Malua in his hometown. The aim is to create a community where people who make movies and videos and people who watch movies and videos gather and create new works.
As a start of activities, in 2018, we held an event to learn about movies and images at the coworking space Chigarabo.
The production of "Enoshima Cinema" can be said to be a step forward from that.
* "Enoshima Station" shooting scene
The directors were seven filmmakers, both professional and amateur, who agreed with Studio Malua. Based on the two common themes of “Enoden” and “connection,” each of them created works with a high degree of artistry.
For example, film director Iwao Takahashi, who also served as an overall advisor, was Yasuda's teacher during college. Miho Yamamoto used to be a screenwriter, and this is her directorial debut. Yasuda himself directed one short film.
Stations in focus are Kugenuma, Shonan Kaigan Park, Enoshima, Inamuragasaki, Gokurakuji, Yuigahama, and Kamakura. Despite being a tourist spot, Shonan is rich in nature and has a leisurely flow of time.
*From Inamuragasaki Station "Inamuragasaki Walking Tour"
Of course, it's not really that simple. The shooting time is 1-2 hours in the early morning so as not to inconvenience the local people who use the Enoden. They helped each other when they were short of hands, and also used crowdfunding to secure funds.
All for the movies they want to make!
* "Enoshima Station" shooting scene
“Since it was premised on each individual being able to create freely, it would be a lie if I said that I wasn’t worried about whether it would end up as a single movie. While each of them asserted their individuality, I am proud that the quality as a single movie has been completed to be suitable for a theatrical release.”
Since it is set in the Enoden station, which has taken root as a part of life, I hope that the locals will first see it. The idea is that if you look at a familiar city from a different perspective, you may find a different charm and come to like the city even more.
* "Kamakura Station" shooting scene
Studio Malua's vision is not limited to making highly authoritative films.
Set up a guest house and prepare an environment where members can stay overnight and concentrate on production.
We would also like to have the function of an artist residence where foreign artists can stay.
In the future, I would like to create a base in the Shonan area that the members can use as an atelier.
Yasuda's dream has only just begun.
"Enoshima Cinema"
Director: Iwao Takahashi/Takushi Nishinaka/Miho Yamamoto/Takuma Suyama/Ami Inagawa/Naomi Takayama/Chihiro Yasuda
[Future release schedule (2019)] The screening on the following schedule has ended.
Enoichi
・July 20 (Sat) 10:00-/13:00-
・July 27 (Sat) 10:00-/13:00-
■ Chigarabo
・July 21 (Sun) 10:00-/14:00-
・July 28 (Sun) 10:00-/14:00-
■ M's Cantina
・July 25 (Thursday) 19:00-21:00
・July 26 (Friday) 19:00-21:00
*Click here for the schedule and other details
Kugenuma Station "Born in 3 years"
Director: Iwao Takahashi
Shonan Kaigan Koen Station "Lost Children on the Seaside"
Director: Takushi Nishinaka
Enoshima Station "New Moon Dragonfly"
Director: Miho Yamamoto
Inamuragasaki Station "Inamuragasaki Walking Tour"
Director: Takuma Suyama
Gokurakuji Station "Treasure"
Director: Ami Inagawa
Yuigahama Station "Sinking Heart"
Director: Naomi Takayama
Kamakura Station "Sleeping in Tokyo"
Director: Chihiro Yasuda
