JCC E-Magazine September 2025

Special Feature

JCC speaks to Hayakawa Chie, director of Renoir, which will be screened at this year's Japanese Film Festival. Learn more about her thoughts working on Renoir and film-making, as well as her advice to people who are interested.

What is a memorable Japanese film that you’ve watched recently?

It is “Super Happy Forever” directed by Igarashi Kohei.

Renoir explores themes of ‘coming of age’ and ‘hope’ in the form of 11-year-old protagonist Fuki. What is something that you wish to convey to your audience through this film? Was it also challenging to direct a young actor?

I wanted to make a film about emotions that I couldn't put into words as a child. I hope that watching this film will bring back long-forgotten memories and feelings for the audience. Suzuki Yui, who played Fuki, is a very brave person with a world of her own, so I didn't need to guide or direct her every step of the way. Filming with her was very easy and joyful for me as a director.

In your films, you often have a way of making use of lighting and colour tone to invoke feeling to a certain scene. Were there any filmmakers or films that inspired your artistic vision?

I think “Renoir” was influenced by Somai Shinji's “Moving” and Victor Erice's “El Sur.”

You’ve worked with Singapore-based Japanese cinematographer Urata Hideho in both of your feature films. How was it like collaborating with each other and will there be more collaborations in the future?

Mr Urata has been like a mentor to me in the film industry, and I respect him very much. I trusted him completely with the cinematography and I could leave everything to him, which freed me to focus entirely on the direction. I'm sure we will collaborate again in the future.

From financing to filming to post-production, the production of Renoir involved collaborations with people from countries such as Japan, Singapore, France, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Qatar. How was it like working with different teams from all over the world to bring Renoir to life, especially with the Singaporean team?

Even though we came from different countries and cultures, we were able to come together through filmmaking, talk openly, and bond over our shared love of film. It was a very heartwarming and happy collaborative effort. The Singapore team made a very sincere and professional impression on me.

Is there a dream film that you would like to make?

I want to make a film about war someday.

There were many challenges and life changes that you went through before you were able to make your first feature film. What is one piece of advice that aspiring filmmakers can benefit from?

If making films is a joy rather than a pain for you, then there is nothing to worry about. Even if it is a small film, if you keep shooting it, a path will open towards the future.

What about 『Renoir』 would attract people to watch the film?

Perhaps because this is a film that unexpectedly touches the softest part of your heart.

Have you been to Singapore before? What do you look forward to the most about coming to Singapore?

I have visited Singapore twice. The food is delicious, so I look forward to eating delicious cuisine.

Do you have a message that you would like to relay to Friends of Japan Creative Centre or fans of Japanese Film Festival Singapore?

I am happy to meet everyone through this film. I hope that “Renoir” will be loved for a long time in various places around the world.

About the Author

Born in Tokyo, HAYAKAWA Chie studied photography at School of Visual Arts in New York. Her short film, Niagara (2014), was selected in the Cinéfondation section at Cannes Film Festival 2014 and received awards in numerous international film festivals. Her short film PLAN 75 was the opening segment of anthology feature Ten Years Japan (2018) executive-produced by KORE-EDA Hirokazu. The short was expanded into her feature film debut PLAN 75, which was selected in Un Certain Regard and awarded the Camera d'Or Special Mention at Cannes Film Festival 2022. She was also awarded Best Director at Thessaloniki and was awarded and nominated at numerous international film festivals.

Renoir marks Japanese writer-director HAYAKAWA Chie’s second film, and it is her first entry in the 'Official Selection Competition' for Cannes Film Festival 2025.

Japanese Film Festival 2025 is scheduled to take place from 1 - 12 October 2025. Renoir is part of this year's film selection, and HAYAKAWA Chie will be attending in person, and having a Masterclass as well. Please stay tuned to https://jff.sg/2025/ for more details.

* All photos used in this article are provided by LOADED FILMS Ltd. or the author unless otherwise stated / © LOADED FILMS Ltd., HAYAKAWA Chie

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