Executive director
Naomi Kawase
Born and raised in Nara, the joy of living in this place has brought me to where I am today.
For someone like me, film making is an expressive form that has enriched and transformed my life.
Art brought joy to a life that once felt so vast, overwhelming and difficult to grasp. When I discovered the art of film making, a form that allowed me to explore and express myself through the past and the future, I felt a burning sensation deep inside of my heart and the quaking of my soul.
The fusion between Nara’s heritage, culture and artistic expression, I believe will bring joy to people across many generations, to be shared and enjoyed by many. Building block by block as we envision the next 10, 20, 100 or even 1000 years, I believe will lead to the creation of a rich and fruitful future. This country is beautiful, and its people are kind.
I sincerely hope that the Nara International Film Festival will grow and flourish in the future as a festival celebrating the arts of all kinds.