In 2010, the Nara International Film festival began in the land of beginnings, Nara.
The opening Red Carpet.
I was filled with awe and wonder as I kept on checking back again and again all morning as the Red Carpet was laid upon the 52 Steps of Sarusawa Pond, unable to truly believe the sight in front of me.
The clouds of rain that had been hanging over the city of Nara miraculously avoided that exact time and space—signaling to me that this was the unveiling of something incredible.
Talented artists hailing from film communities across the globe took the initial steps onto the Red Carpet, followed by the numerous supporters of the film festival, all beautifully dressed for the occasion. Surrounding them, the people of our neighborhood—the grandfathers and the grandmothers of the Bodai-cho neighborhood council, and even their grandchildren—looked on, contributing to a very colorful and festive atmosphere. It was as if the world and the neighborhood council Jizo1festival were coming together as one, an altogether very unique and marvelous union!
“From an international city of cultural tourism to an international city of cultural exchange.”
I had walked around advertising the film festival using this slogan, but I didn’t truly understand its significance until it actually started.
During the festival, I was blown away by the sheer number of talented volunteers that had gathered in Nara to help out with the festival. All the volunteers worked extremely hard, despite the oppressive heat, to bring the festival to life.
There are still many ties to be further deepened.
There is still so much that can be done.
In hopes that the Nara International Film Festival, which has only just begun, continues to evolve and develop more and more.
- Satoko Nakano, Executive Director of Hotel Sunroute Nara
1 Ksitigarbha—guardian deity of children
Members
- Executive Director
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- Deputy Executive Director
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- Executive Secretary
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- secretariats
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About Nara International Film Festival
