Fumiko Matsuyama
Japanese film maker living in Berlin
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biography
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Interview: 10 questions
1. Tell me something about your life and the educational background
I studied Philosophy and Filmology first, before I begann to make videos by myself.
I write about films, organize filmevents and work for and with other artists and productions also.
2. When, how and why started you filming?
After theoretical filmstudy I wanted practice. Meanwhile I worked for the tv-and film productions sometimes. I begann my third study in the 1990s at the University of Arts where I got opportunities to make small videos. Actually it was a continuation of the second study with a little practice after a long break.
3. What kind of subjects have your films?
Even if it is not always, many of them have political accent.
By the way they are experimetalfilms, documentarie, dancetheatre-performance films mostly. (However I wrote some narrative screenplays.)
4. How do you develop your films, do you follow certain principles, styles etc?
I don’t have a strict principle, but I try or wish to make engaged films which is pictured sofisticated.
5. Tell me something about the technical equipment you use.
Minimal. Last time I rent the whole equipment what brought me a financial catastrophe.
6. What are the chances of new media for the genre film/video in general and you personally?
Man can make guerrila films. (I mean, man must not always follow a mainstream.)
7. How do you finance your films?
Until now I financed my films. (However I can not do more.)
8. Do you work individually as a video artist/film maker or do you work in a team?
if you have experience in both, what is the difference, what do you prefer?
Mostly I am a indivisual videoartist/filmmaker, however sometimes I work in a team.
When I work in a team or for the other(s), I try to realize the intention of the another.
When I work as the head in the team, I must realize my intention what is not always so easy. Now I can not say which I prefer…
9. Who or what has a lasting influence on your film/video making?
So many people, so many things… It is not easy someone and something to say.
10. What are your future plans or dreams as a film/video maker?
My stopped film – 99% was shot – must be finished. For the postproduction I am looking for (a) financial partner/s.