"Big House" Director Ryo Takebayashi: How far can you go in choosing not to film? [Director's Interview Vol. 456]

The documentary film "14-Year-Old Shiori" (21) depicts the reality of junior high school students. What was wonderful about this film was not only its content, but also the thorough consideration given to the cast. The film was only shown in cinemas without being distributed or packaged, and a notice was distributed to all audience members asking them not to slander the cast, pry into their privacy, or post on social media. The film's production team's sincere attitude and strong will were apparent. Actor and filmmaker Saito Takumi was impressed by the production team's attitude. Saito consulted them about the project for "The Big House," which closely follows a child welfare facility.

The only thing I can say about the completed film "Big House" is that I want everyone to see it, regardless of age or gender. It contains things that all of us living in this world today should see.

We spoke to director Ryo Takebayashi, who also directed "14-Year-Old Shiori," about how he created "The Big House."

This time, we've also released a video version of the interview! Please enjoy it too!

Index

• I want all humanity to see it
• Choosing not to take a picture
• I want it to become a film.

I want all humanity to see it

Q: This work is similar but not the same as "14-Year-Old Shiori." What do you think of the completed film?

Takebayashi: During filming, my relationship with the children deepened and I really grew to like them. I filmed this film because I wanted the children themselves to see it. I hope this film will be a source of emotional support for them after they leave the facility. But at the same time, a film is also something to show to the audience. I was a little unsure about that. But now that it's finished, it's become a film I want all mankind to see.

"Big House" ©CHOCOLATE

Q: What was your impression when you heard about this project, to photograph children in an orphanage?

Takebayashi: I had been working with Takumi Saito on a documentary for about three years, and I respected his stance at the time. It was a coincidence that Saito approached me after watching "14-year-old Shiori," so I wanted to make something out of it. However, documentary films take a lot of time and require determination. I'm ashamed to say that I had no knowledge of child welfare facilities or social welfare, so I had to go through the process of researching that. So I went to see the children in the child welfare facility with Saito, and when I saw the daily lives of the children and the staff who deal with them, I really wanted to film them. There was something that made me feel that way right away. I spoke to the children directly, and each one of them had a very interesting charm.

Choosing not to take a picture