From Shonan! A collection of short films born from the film community, set against the backdrop of the Enoden railway line.

Go, see, and experience the world of art
File.15 Studio Malua 'Enoshima Cinema'
Miyuki Inoue (Magcal Editorial Department)

Enoshima Cinema
This is a collection of short films by a diverse group of filmmakers, all themed around the stations of the Enoden, or Enoshima Electric Railway.
What a captivating title and setting!
When it premiered at the Chigasaki Film Festival in late June, tickets sold out in just a few hours on the first day of release.

While it's not uncommon for towns along the Enoden railway line to be used as settings for dramas, this is reportedly the first film to focus on the Enoden itself. Indeed, railway companies prioritize safety above all else. Filming inside stations and on platforms requires meticulous attention and presents significant challenges.
In this context, the reason why Enoden's understanding and cooperation were obtained was likely because the concept of "community-based film production" advocated by Studio Malua, which was in charge of planning and operation, aligned with Enoden's philosophy.

Studio Maulua is run by filmmaker and screenwriter Chihiro Yasuda. She became fascinated with filmmaking during her university years and moved to Chigasaki about two years ago in search of an environment where she could continue making films freely.

"I vaguely aimed for Shonan, so I decided to stay at a guesthouse in Kamakura. There was a day when it snowed heavily, so the next day I went to Inamuragasaki, thinking that I would be able to see Mount Fuji beautifully. And there were lots of locals there. They certainly know their stuff (laughs). I felt a sense of richness in that environment where you can live while feeling nature in a very ordinary way, and I thought, 'I'll make a base for filmmaking here.'"

Having settled in Chigasaki, Yasuda established Malua, a local film community studio. His goal is "a community where people who make films and videos and people who watch films and videos can come together and create new works."
As a starting point for our activities, in 2018 we held an event at the coworking space Chigalabo to teach about film and video.
The production of "Enoshima Cinema" can be seen as a project that took that one step further.
*Scenes from the filming location of "Enoshima Station"

The films were directed by seven filmmakers, both professional and amateur, who supported Studio Malua. Based on two common themes, "Enoden" and "connection," each director created a highly artistic work.
For example, Iwao Takahashi, the film director who also served as an overall advisor, was Yasuda's mentor during his university days. Miho Yamamoto is a screenwriter, and this is her directorial debut. Yasuda himself has also directed one short film.
The stations that were the focus of the photoshoot were Kugenuma, Shonan Kaigan Koen, Enoshima, Inamuragasaki, Gokurakuji, Yuigahama, and Kamakura. Shonan, a tourist destination, is rich in nature and has a relaxed atmosphere, making every spot a dramatic and picturesque scene.
*From Inamuragasaki Station "Inamuragasaki Walking Tour"

Of course, it's not that simple in reality. To avoid inconveniencing local residents who use the Enoden train line, filming was limited to one to two hours in the early morning. We helped each other out where we were short-handed, and we also used crowdfunding to secure funding.
It's all for the sake of the movie we want to make!
*Scenes from the filming location of "Enoshima Station"

"Since the premise was that each person would create freely, it would be a lie to say I wasn't worried about whether it would ultimately come together as a single film. But when I saw the finished product with everything put together, I was deeply moved. I'm proud that while each person asserted their individuality, the quality as a single film is also worthy of a theatrical release."

Since the film is set in an Enoden train station, which is an integral part of daily life, I hope that local people will see it first. I wanted to convey the message that if you look at a familiar town from a different perspective, you might discover a different charm and come to love the town even more.
* "Kamakura Station" filming location

Studio Malua's vision goes beyond simply producing highly artistic films.
We will set up a guesthouse to create an environment where members can stay overnight and concentrate on their work.
We also want it to function as an artist residency, where international artists can stay.
In the future, we would like to create a base in the Shonan area that members can use as an art studio.
Yasuda's dream has only just begun to take shape.

Enoshima Cinema
Directors: Iwao Takahashi, Takushi Nishinaka, Miho Yamamoto, Takuma Suyama, Ami Inagawa, Naomi Takayama, Chihiro Yasuda

[Upcoming Release Schedule (2019)] The screenings scheduled for the following dates have ended.

■ Enoichi
・July 20th (Sat) 10:00~/13:00~
・July 27th (Sat) 10:00~/13:00~

■Chigalabo
• July 21st (Sun) 10:00 AM - / 2:00 PM -
• July 28th (Sun) 10:00 AM - / 2:00 PM -

■ M's Cantina
・Thursday, July 25th, 19:00-21:00
・Friday, July 26th, 19:00-21:00

Kugenuma Station "will be born in 3 years"
Director: Iwao Takahashi

Shonan Kaigan Park Station "Lost Children at the Seaside"
Director: Takushi Nishinaka

Enoshima Station "New Moon Tombolo"
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