A first of its kind film about a Japanese art student who perseveres without legal status in the US.
Hello!
Dear friends, families, investors, movie enthusiasts, passionate cinephiles, and newcomers alike, I am Yusaku Mizoguchi, the director, writer, and producer of the highly anticipated upcoming feature film “Sae.” It brings me great joy and excitement to introduce this crowdfunding campaign for our film.
Story
After an unfortunate event, an aspiring Japanese art student named Sae in Los Angeles has to drop out of art school and work odd jobs to make ends meet so she can get back to pursuing her dream of living as a street artist.
The highly anticipated feature film, “Sae” delves into the poignant themes of immigration, discrimination, and the delicate equilibrium between work and passion. By exploring the experiences of immigrants in the United States, the film sheds light on the challenges they face and the resilience they demonstrate in their pursuit of a better life. “Sae” is poised to offer a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant cinematic experience that invites audiences to reflect on these universal themes.
Our ultimate goal for this film is to create a compelling piece of film that resonates with audiences and gets accepted by major arthouse film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, Berlin, Toronto, and Sundance, and as a result, we hope for acquisition by a major distributor for our film.
Message from the director, Yusaku Mizoguchi
First and foremost, I dedicate this feature film to the memory of my father, who sadly passed away in April of this year. He was a remarkable artist who profoundly shaped my journey as a filmmaker. Every frame and scene in this film aims to capture the essence of his artistic brilliance, showcasing my vision and honoring his profound influence on my artistic sensibilities.
The film “Sae (Working Title)” has been in development for over 10 years, involving scriptwriting, casting, location scouting, and fundraising. During this process, I was hired to direct another feature film called “Mafiosa,” which garnered awards at international film festivals (more details later). After completing “Mafiosa,” I resumed preparations for “Sae” and found the perfect actress, Luna Fujimoto, for the role of Sae. Currently, the cast and crew are working together to prepare for filming this summer/Fall.
Cast
Luna Fujimoto as Sae Yoshida
Luna Fujimoto is an actress, known for her roles in “Blade of the 47 Ronin”, “Monster Hunt 2”, and “1446: An Eternal Minute”. She aspired to be a ballerina but changed her mind after watching “Tomb Raider” in the 6th grade, deciding to pursue acting instead. Believing in the impact actors can have, she aimed to work in Hollywood. Luna studied at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School, where her fascination with action movies grew while watching Chinese and Hong Kong films starring Ziyi Zhang and Michelle Yeoh. She secured a coveted spot at the esteemed Drama Department of Beijing Film Academy, known for accepting a mere 0.6-1% of applicants. With a growing resume, booked productions on the horizon, and a youthful allure, Luna Fujimoto is determined to make Hollywood her next home.
Emily Kay as Jenny
Emily Kay is an actress, known for Yenni Thuniga (2022), Wake Up (2022) and Wages of Sin.
Jennifer Halbert as Zoe
Jen Halbert is an actress, known for Zeus School (2016), December (2010) and Defeated (2018).
Stanley Wong as Stan
From a young age, he has trained in Wing Chun Kung Fu and currently teaches Wing Chun to students in Los Angeles while also actively working as a chiropractor. He has deep connections to the Hong Kong film industry.
Susan Kurata as Ms. Kim
Susan Kurata is known for How to Disappear Completely (2021), Introducing Jodea (2021) and #IRL (2018).
Junko Cheng as Aiko
Junko Cheng is known for Taylor Swift: Delicate (2018), Eddie. (2022) and Pocket Millennial (2019). Junko has been married to David Cheng since 1988. They have two children.
Crew
Yusaku Mizoguchi (Director/Writer) was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. His love for cinema/movies (especially American New Wave) led him to study film directing at New York University and Columbia College, Chicago. Upon graduation with a B.A. in Film Directing at Columbia College, Chicago, he moved to Los Angeles and worked his way through movie studios such as Warner Bros, Disney/ABC, and other production companies. He directed dozens of short films that were screened at international film festivals before he directed his first feature film, “Mafiosa”
“Mafiosa” won the Best Action Feature Film Award at the Hollywood Reel Film Festival, Grand Jury Best Feature Drama Award from the Los Angeles World International Film Festival, Best Crime Feature Film Award from the Vancouver Filmdance Festival, and received numerous nominations.
The upcoming film, “Sae” will be the second feature film that he is directing.
Here is the trailer for Yusaku Mizoguchi’s previous feature film, “Mafiosa”.
Julie Pham (Co-Producer) is known for Noise (2006), Void of the World (2006). She works for an investment firm in LA where she runs the operations and accounting for the last 15 years.
Adam Sherer (Cinematographer) is known for Fight to the Finish (2016), Demon Star, and Mafiosa (2016). Residing in Los Angeles, he is a seasoned veteran who has filmed over 20 movies and television series in Hollywood. He also worked as the cinematographer for the director Yusaku Mizoguchi’s previous feature film, “MAFIOSA.” He has a reputation for capturing various genres such as drama, action, comedy, suspense, and horror with high-quality visuals, utilizing the unique characteristics of each genre.
Kyle Nash (Sound Recordist/Boom Operator) is known for San Giacomo, The Shadow, and Designated Driver.
Salomé Costa (Unit Production Manager/Assistant Director)
She will also play the role of Christine.
Salomé Costa, a talented French/Italian actress and a Unit Production Manager/Assitant Director based in Los Angeles, started her acting career in France after growing up in Saint Martin. With notable achievements including her award-winning short film “Upside Down” and collaborations with Moana, she has also established her own production company and starred in the acclaimed short film “Consumption”
Emma Jackson (Music Composer) is known for Pixar’s Beyond Infinity, Poison Ivy (2022), Separated (2021), and Trial and Error (2021). She is a versatile English composer, artist, sound designer, and atmos mixer based in London and Los Angeles. Her work ranges from composition and sound design for animation, advertisements, and feature films, recording foley, to mixing in 5:1, 7:1, and surround sound for films, podcasts, and exhibitions.
Yuriko Uematsu Etue (Art Consultant) was born in Tokyo. I studied Scenic Design at Musashino College of the Arts. After gaining experience in stage art in Tokyo, she moved to Seattle, Washington in the United States. I worked as a Master Scenic Artist at the Seattle Children’s Theater and as an Assistant Master Scenic Artist at the Seattle Opera. Since moving to Los Angeles in 2001, I have created over 50 murals and mosaics that can be seen in schools, nursing homes, restaurants, and other locations. I also engage in the production of paintings, prints, and other artwork.
Galo Canote (Graffiti Consultant), also plays the role of Galo. Residing in Los Angeles, he is a graffiti artist who made a significant impact on the city’s graffiti scene during the 1990s. He has participated in notable film projects such as “Rambo: The Last Stand” and “Angel Wars.” Some of his past clients include NIKE, Disney, Ford, and ESPN. He has also held art exhibitions in Mexico, Japan, and Taiwan. Additionally, He has also mentored troubled youth and provided art education in the past.
Chiaya Hama (Singer) Known for “CHIAYA & Mizue’s meditation time”, “Concerts while sleeping”, “Voice healing & crystal bowls”
Nana Pignon (Associate Producer) was one of the founding members of the Nishi-Tokyo City CINEMA Club. She has been involved in organizing numerous film screenings and events in Tokyo. She was responsible for the promotion and publicity for the feature film “MAFIOSA” in Japan.
What We Need & What You Get
Independent filmmaking can be a difficult and unforgiving process. Often, filmmakers like us must work with limited resources and budgets, which can make it difficult to bring our vision to life. We are producing the film without help from a major studio or big production companies, giving us the freedom to tell our story right without big compromises.
**This is where YOU come in!
While we have already secured the base budget and successfully completed the Japanese crowdfunding campaign, additional funds are required to enhance the production quality of our film. This includes investing in advanced gear, makeup, props, visual effects, and meticulous post-production work. Reliable post-production requires acquiring the necessary equipment. Help us reach our goal!
Explore our exclusive perks to support independent filmmaking! Choose from our carefully crafted limited-edition offerings below. Don’t miss out on these unique opportunities that won’t be found anywhere else. Check out our favorite perks and the full list on the right side of the page.
Perks
Thank you video from the cast and crew, and A series of “Behind the scene videos” $30
Digital posters (2 types) and a series of “Behind the scene videos” $50.
Plus you will receive ALL the perks up to $30.
Screenplay (full script) and storyboard (a few scenes) $80.
Plus you will receive ALL the perks up to $50.
Have a coffee with the director, Yusaku Mizoguchi $100
Plus you will receive ALL the perks up to $80.
Original Film Staff Shirt $100
Plus you will receive ALL the perks up to $80.
Cast and crew autographed poster $250
Plus you will receive ALL the perks up to $80.
Special Thanks end credit $300
Plus you will receive ALL the perks up to $80.
Cast and crew autographed poster and Special Thanks end credit $500
Plus you will receive ALL the perks up to $80.
Cast and crew autographed Film Slate $600
Plus you will receive ALL the perks up to $80.
Cast and crew autographed Film Slate and Special Thanks end credit $800
Plus you will receive ALL the perks up to $80.
Be in the Film as an extra $1,500
Step into the thrilling world of the film as an extra, immersing yourself in the captivating story and mingling with the cast and crew on set. Leave your mark on the production, forging unforgettable memories. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to shine in the spotlight and be a part of the magic! (The role you are playing is determined by the production team)
Be in the Film as an actor/actress $2,500
Unleash your talent and secure a speaking role (a few lines) in our film, joining our talented cast and crew on set to bring a character to life. Don’t miss this chance to make your mark in the world of cinema! (The role you are playing is determined by the production team)
Corporation credit, Product Placement $10,000
We will feature your company’s product in a scene of the movie and we include your company name in the end credits roll and the poster as well. The specific details of how the product will be captured on camera will be determined by the production team. If you don’t have a product, we will include your company name in the end credits roll and the poster.
Associate Producer $15,000
Your name will be listed as an Associate Producer in the opening, end credits, and poster of the film. Participation rights for film festivals (only if the film is selected for film festivals).
Plus you will receive all the perks under $250.
Executive Producer $20,000
Your name will be listed as an Executive Producer in the opening, end credits, and poster of the film. Participation rights for film festivals (only if the film is selected for film festivals).
Plus you will receive all the perks under $250.
Risks & Challenges
“Sae” is an incredibly ambitious film, considering our limited budget and resources. However, we have some good news to share. Firstly, we have managed to secure the base budget for the film. Additionally, our Japanese crowdfunding campaign was a success, which alleviated some of our worries. The support we received from the campaign has been instrumental in moving forward with this project.
Countless hours have been dedicated to the preproduction of this film, demonstrating our unwavering commitment. Given the effort invested thus far, quitting is simply not an option for us. We remain determined to see this project through to completion.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you cannot purchase our perks, we understand.
If you know people that would want to be a part of our film, “Sae”, or an actor who never got a break. You can share this page on social network sites, or send this page link to a friend.
Our enthusiasm for “Sae” is boundless, and we hope you share our excitement. We invite you to join us on this journey, as together we create a film that will captivate audiences like never before.