島ぜんぶでおーきな祭-第7回沖縄国際映画祭-

The Closing Ceremony of the 7th Okinawa International Movie Festival was held on Sunday 29th March with winners from local municipality competitions and renowned film directors taking to the stage in from of an audience of thousands. Emceed by comedy duo Garage Sale, the ceremony opened with a blaze of lights at the open-air Beach Stage of Okinawa Convention Center in Ginowan city. Okinawa Vice Governor Mitsuo Ageda began formal proceedings with a message from the Governor of Okinawa, Takeshi Onaga, acknowledging the impact of OIMF in the region.
 

Atsushi Sakima, Mayor of Ginowan City took to the stage next to share his congratulations on the success of the seventh edition. “OIMF held progressive projects such as the Local Origination Movie and Jimot CM Competition, programs that the government is delighted to see help continue the local development that has been already happening here,” said Masaaki Taira. “I wish that Okinawa can initiate this for the whole nation not only for local regions,” he added.

Okinawa International Movie Festival Organization Committee President Hiroshi Osaki, President of Yoshimoto Kogyo, showed his passion to send out Okinawa culture so that the world build a deep connection with it. “The Jimot CM Competition and Creator’s Factory were born in Okinawa. I would like to continue to create new entertainment from here. Based on Okinawa’s mix of tradition across all islands, we will go towards an 8^th festival.” 

Following the speeches, the award for the 5th Jimot CM Competition, which focuses on local culture, was introduced. 46 Prefectures of Japan competed, as did 41 municipalities of Okinawa. “Shan Shan Matsuri” from Tottori prefecture took home the prize for 470,000 Yen, while the Grand Prix for Okinawa went to “Uminosachi Festival” of Zamami Village, who won 410,000 Yen.
 

The Creator’s Factor Grand Prix, aimed at finding “promising talents who can become leaders for the new generation,” went to “Kizu Ningyo (An Injured Doll)” by Satoko Motoyoshi. The Jury Chairman, film director Yuji Nakae commented “I felt the director’s strong thought that she cannot live without creating this piece, without considering the audience. I spoke to her about writing a challenging script so I am looking forward to see her future films. There were many movies showcasing good shooting skills amongst the applications, but we would like to encourage artists who have a serious desire to create,” said Nakae.

Motoyoshi said of her award; “I am very happy to get this great evaluation for my first entry, with a movie that I made for the very first time. It was very meaningful for me to hear the various opinions for this selection. I almost gave up to complete this film many times because the theme of the film ‘face to myself’ was actually very hard achieve, but I could finish it thanks to the support of many people. I would like to focus my effort to spread this movie for more people to see it, and also create a new piece.”
 

The award ceremony continued with volunteer staff and support groups of each region in Okinawa coming up to the stage to talk about their feelings and their enthusiasm for the next year, with many jokes from President Osaki and Gori of Garage Sale ensuring the crowds enjoyment throughout. Finally, the closing ceremony finished with the words “See you next year!” from local comedians, Garage Sale.