In 2010, the Nara International Film Festival began in the land of beginnings, Nara.

 

4 months before the opening of the 2010 Nara International Film Festival, Mr. Hidei Hirakazu came to me, asking for help with the film festival.  I thus began as a volunteer.  At the committee meetings, I grabbed the microphone, during the festival in August I donned the green festival t-shirt from morning to night, every single day for the duration of the festival, and when I realized, I was on the Board of Directors/Head of the Secretariat.  My weight continues to increase with time, but I remain a “light” (easy, loose) man. 

 

Excuse me, I forgot to introduce myself.  My name is Kazuya Narita.  Mr. Hidekazu  Hiraiis a kouhai  (junior classmate) from university and JC (Junior Chamber International Japan), and up until now, I arrogantly imparted words of wisdom to him and worked him like a horse.  Retributive justice, the “wheel of retailing” keeps spinning, I mean, no, it must be human connection—now Mr. HidekazuHirai, in turn works me like a horse.  Having passed the age of forty, I’m seeing the same things, but I’m seeing a different landscape.  There are probably many reasons for this, but the biggest reason is human connection. Having arrived at a turning point in my life, I’ve started to truly understand the importance of human connection.  At the 2010 Nara International Film Festival, I was blessed with so many wonderful encounters.  It was thrilling!  Perhaps more exciting than when I met my wife 5 years ago?  It’s the most excitement I’ve felt since I came face to face with my eldest daughter for the first time 3 years ago!

 

Through NIFF, I want to multiply this feeling of excitement; I want to make it bigger and bigger.  As Head of the Secretariat, I plan on working hard, according to the following motto: “Act fast—Let my heart beat loudly and quickly—Think slowly”—so that I can spread this circle of joy/excitement to everyone I encounter. 

 

Lastly…I’m constantly envisioning the Nara International Film Festival, 10 years from now.  I’ll share that vision with you the next time we meet.  Hint: The important things in life: 1. Women  2. Philosophy  3. Family  4. Business …the most important???  Irrelevant?  Well excuse me yet again!

 

Favorite Films: Cinema Paradiso, Le Grand Bleu (The Big Blue), Scent of a Woman, Spanglish, Frantic, The Moderns, I girasoli (Sunflower), The Shawshank Redemption, Blade Runner, Once Upon a Time in America, The Godfather, The Bourne Identity series, 007 series, and more…!

---

Members

Executive Director

• 

Deputy Executive Director

• 
• 

Executive Secretary

• 

secretariats

• 
• 
• 
• 
•