I met director Sotoshi Kon at a Paprika premiere
Paprika directed by Sotoshi Kon.
Around 07-08 I had the privilege of meeting one of the best directors of Japanese cinema. Paprika had just been released in the united states. I had seen the film on DVD but when the opportunity of seeing it on the big screen with director Q&A presented it self I jumped to it. I bought tickets for one of the New York screenings (which there was only two dates). I got to see the film in Japanese with english subtitles, which is usually the way to go when it comes to foreign films.
If you haven’t seen Paprika I highly recommend it. Paprika is one of those film you just gotta own and rewatch from time to time. It’s director Sotoshi Kon is, was, and will always be a legendary man when it come’s to story telling through animation. I am beyond grateful to have met the man.
Above is a autographed original drawing done by Sotoshi Kon. It was a gift I received personally after the premiere. When the Q&A started my hand was the first one up. I don’t remember exactly what I asked him, in hindsight it probably wasn’t a great question, but I was young and I have always enjoyed asking questions so it doesn’t really matter I suppose. After the question he asked me up to the stage and handed me this piece of paper It was very surreal and still feels that way now. He said since I was the first person to raise my hand this was a reward. I’ve had this for more the a decade, and Im sure I will have it for the rest of my life. I wonder how many other’s there are in the world, can’t be to many of that i’m sure off.
If you are not familiar with any of Sotoshi Kon’s films you MUST educate yourself and go watch them. They are ALL amazing films. There is a great video easy about his editing style. Watch it for a quick synopsis about this legend. This is a great channel about film making, support if you like it