Short Summary

Directed by Kozue Ito, “us, still” features Japanese actors Tomo Kawaguchi, Eigi Kodaka and Yurie Collins. We are thrilled to showcase to the world this short film — the first project of a bilingual (English/Japanese) film series. This crowdfunding effort seeks support for the production expenses of “us, still.”

In recent years, opportunities for unknown Japanese actors to appear in foreign films/tv shows produced in Japan have increased dramatically. As a result, more and more Japanese actors are not only improving their acting skills but also their English language skills, gaining the ability to perform on the worldwide stage.

It is now a crucial time for us Japanese actors and filmmakers not to only aim to breakthrough into the international industry but to shift the standards within Japan and showcase a bilingual/bicultural project as the new norm. And this is one of the driving purposes behind this film.

Our short film “us, still” can be seen as the foundation for these future productions. By embracing the power of media and art, we strive to create films that address important societal issues, and we believe that even a small project can make big waves in shifting the collective consciousness.

We thank you for your support from the bottom of our hearts.

A message from Kozue Ito, director of “us, still”

As I looked around at my fellow creators in the writing room of “us, still”, we realized it was a safe and appropriate space to explore the many societal issues often experienced by women: issues like sexual assault, power harrassment, age descrimination and misogyny. So much of these problems are unfortunately accepted as the norm and a part of “everyday life.”

We wanted to take this opportunity to speak up simply and clearly. We don’t know who will hear us, but we hope that our message will lend courage to those who are forced to suppress their experiences and feelings on in their daily lives. We’ve grown so accustomed to the pain that we forget why we are even hurting in the first place.

This film captures the simple moments of a day in the life where three long-lost friends reunite. Although years have gone by, with the invisible help of their fourth member, they are able to seamlessly laugh and cry together again. And just like the creators of this film and many women in today’s society, these characters carry secrets they do not know how to express. The unexpected reunion of the three women exposes traces of suffering that are only familiar to those who have experienced it themselves. Although a clear resolution does not exist, the characters remind each other that they have the power to set themselves free by simply speaking up. It may seem small, but it is an effort that takes great strength and courage.

The story of “us, still” is a mysterious journey that explores all of these themes, powerfully portrayed by an honest and whimsical cast.

(written, directed and co-produced by Kozue Ito)

How We Will Use the Funds

We are seeking final funds to cover post-production. Whether we reach the goal or not we shall move forward, but with your help we can reinforce our production values. Every little bit helps, give what you can big or small and we will be forever grateful.

What You Will Get

• Thank-you e-mail from the casts
• Digital access to our script
• Digital access to our film 
• Digital copies of beautiful scnery photos of Kamakura, Japan, taken by Kozue Ito
• Special thanks credit
• Executive producer credit

Check out the perk options for details!

Risks & Challenges

In order to secure the freedom of creation, we raise funding only through crowd fundings and our team’s own budget. Whether or not we reach the goal, we shall keep moving forward to finish the film and share this with the world’s audience.

Other Ways You Can Help

Even if you cannot support this campaign this time, we really appreciate you taking the time to read to the end of this. If you can, we’d love it if you could share this on SNS to spread it to the word. Thank you!