Shuhei Morita’s “Possessions” Nominated for Animated Short Film of 86th Academy Awards

February 18, 2014 The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has nominated Shuhei Morita’s “Possessions” for the 86th Academy Awards in the category of Animated Short Film. “Possessions” was released in Japan on July 20, 2013 as part of Katsuhiro Otomo’s “Short Peace” film omnibus. “Possessions” has already garnered a strong reputation overseas and was previously included in the official selection for the 2012 Annecy International Animated Film Festival under the original title “Tsukumo”.

“Possessions” is themed around the idea that spirits reside inside things, and it portrays how people interact with these supernatural beings. The film fuses 3D computer graphics with animation in the style of old Japanese paintings, creating an aesthetic that is both highly original and magical.
“I’ve struggled for the past few years to understand what the style of anime is that I am trying to make. With ‘Possessions’ I could finally make a film that I was satisfied with, one that I was able to put all my soul into,” says director Shuhei Morita. “It is rare for a short film like this to see the light of day in Japan and it was very tough to make it. We are all so happy that ‘Possessions’ has been nominated and will be seen by more people around the world.”
The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held at the Dolby Theater on March 2 (EST).

Shuhei Morita: Born in Nara, 1978. Representative of YAMATO WORKS, LLC. “Kakurenbo: Hide and Seek” (2005, OVA), “FREEDOM” (2006-2008, OVA) “Koisento” (2010, OVA)

Story: One stormy night in the 18th century Japan, a man loses his way deep in the mountains. He comes across a small shrine and takes shelter inside. But as he enters the shrine transforms into a strange fantasy world. He finds himself in a room filled with a host of tools in various states of disrepair. He sets about skillfully fixing the household objects. But these tools are not just tools. They are inhabited by spirits harboring deep-seated grudges that are not easily appeased.
Running time: 14 min Director & screenplay: Shuhei Morita Original story & conceptual design: Keisuke Kishi Character design: Daisuke Sajiki CGI director: Ryusuke Sakamoto Art direction: Goki Nakamura Animation: Hiroyuki Horiuchi Music: Reiji Kitazato Cast: Koichi Yamadera, Aoi Yuki, Takeshi Kusao Production: SHORT PEACE COMMITTEE Official website: http://shortpeace-movie.com/ (c) SHORT PEACE COMMITTEE ! (c) KATSUHIRO OTOMO/MASH ROOM/SHORT PEACE COMMITTEE


Academy Award for Animated Short Film: The Academy Award for Animated Short Film was established in 1932 for the 5th Academy Awards. “Possessions” is the first Japanese animated short film in 5 years to be nominated for the award since Kunio Kato’s “La Maison en Petits Cubes” in 2008, which won the 81st Academy Award for Animated Short Film.
Contact: Kanako Miyamoto Contents/Creative Section DENTSU TEC INC. miyamoto-kanako@contract.dentsutec.co.jp
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Tagged in a RIDE ALONG. Only in myNewYorkeye

By Lapacazo Sandoval, Paul Zapata and Art Shrian-special to myNewYorkeye

Hip-hop, bling and street art have been on my mind.  The twitterdom was abuzz that the rising street artist known by the moniker "oVeR," was delivering custom pieces to his deep pocketed benefactors at the "Ride Along" red carpet premiere (Lincoln Center AMC).

His work is coveted because of his "alleged" affiliation with the "blue nation" and that fact that he never turned on his crew.  Once released from incarnation "oVeR's" art pieces are now being snatched up by buyers representing Russian, Dubai and urban Hollywood elite's collections.

The aforementioned "art establishment" care nothing of his "alleged battle wounds" or his time in the city streets but I give it some weight especially when I read the twitter traffic.

One twitter feed---"n$&@&/$ ain't oVerR/dropped the cans, found a brush,skining/minting/paid in caviar and desert dough."

Mystery complete, his own underground community couldn't pick him out in a line up. What?  I had to know so the myNewYorkeye crew went on a "Ride Along."

Paul is stationed on the carpet---perched on a stool---to catch the arrival of stars Ice Cube, Kevin Hart,  Tika Sumpter and director Tim Story for the new comedy "Ride Along" which opened last week.

Snippets.  I've  SKYPED my partner Art Shrian (in India) and were on the look out for the illusive "oVeR"

Logic being anyone holding a big canvas or a large tube.

Jackpot, the up escalator stopped and I was sandwiched between a plethora of publicists in front and nervous talent behind.

"Damn, I can't walk up in these heels." a video vixen screeched. "I gotta return these things on Monday."

"OMG. Just walk people!" demanded a flittering flack. "Cube is in good mood. 'Today's going to be a good day' "

Young film lead,  Tika Sumpter chimed:  "I use to work in a movie theatre.  I'm home.  Raised in Queens and now I'm on  the big screen with these amazing talents.  Thank you .. all you haters!"

Finally, with machinery moving, I hear one last pearl:  "oVeR" just dropped a piece.  How long of a ride is this flick? Gotta pick that one up..."

To introduce "Ride Along" in strolled Ice Cube and Kevin Hart.

Ice Cube:  "Yeah, Yeah. Oh shit, it feels good, for sure, to be in NYC." Cube shouted with a gruff-huff.  

"Y'all looking good. I know what your thinking,  'this shit better be good.'  Right?  It's right up there, I think, with the classics."

Kevin Hart: "Whose bright idea was it to put me in the middle.  Damn.  You know I got shorts legs.  Hey, I'm Kevin Hart and after you see this movie twitter the world that you love "Ride Along."  We're not asking.  Shit, we got Ice Cube out, Homie don't even come out his house. Show more love. Twitter."

Flash: As I was filing my story, I checked my writers' bag for the red carpet "photo cheat sheet" and look what I for found:  "oVeR" tagged me and I didn't even know it!

That's myNewYorkeye, "oVeR" and out.

"Anchorman 2," Whammy! David Koechner isn't a foul mouthed racist : he just plays one in the movies!

I've fallen in love with a sexist, racist man with repressed homosexual tendencies and I'm confessing it with unrepentant passion.

His name is David Koechner but the movie going world knows him as Champ Kind, one of the hilarious misfits that delivers sport news in the Anchorman franchise starring SNL alumni Will Ferrell.

Created by writer/director/comedian Adam McKay Anchorman: The Legend Continues (which he co-wrote with Will Ferrell) is much more than just a sequel to the 2004 cult classic (which he also co-wrote).  Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy is a hilarious and smart satire the examines the hypocrisy of the news business and the quest for power, money and great hair!

Champ, like most complex characters in comedies, was created to slap a big fat purple explanation point on the hot button issues that plague and shape cultures the world over;

racism, sexism and the intolerable greed of corporations.

David, the actor/singer and all around good guy, is as different from sports reporter, Champ as a warm fuzzy kitten is, to say, a 12 set baking kit! 

The following phone interview took place inside a crowded Upper East Side coffee house.

My phone rings, blaring Beyonce's "Diva" the ringtone easily eclipsing the holiday carols. 

It took me a full half hour before I noticed that I was on speaker phone.  Good news, David had that crowd laughing and that's a hard room for comedy!

David Koechner: (singing and singing well)

LAPACAZO, Lapacazo, Lapacazo, Lapacazo. La-la, la-la, la-Lapacazo. Oh, Lapacazo!

I love your name.  It's musical. Laaapppaazo. (He sang three verses).

myNewYorkeye: (Hysterical) I've never had anyone sing my name.  Thank you. I happen to love country music!

David Koechner: Thank you kindly Miss Lapacazo (he's still singing).  Hey, what did you think of the movie?  No pressure?  You know the one I'm in:  "Anchorman: The Legend Continues" opening December 18th.  No pressure ..... Lapacazo!

myNewYorkeye: (Hysterical) Adam (McKay) sliced off the hairy arms of one of my favorite mythical creatures. Comedy is a cruel master.

David Koechner: (Hysterical laughter back) He did, didn't he?!  Oh Adam-dear-Adam with him so little is sacred.

myNewYorkeye: 'All is fair to the comedy gods.'

Hats off to Adam and Will for having an African-American woman as the head of a maverick, 24-hour All News Network, loosely spoofing CNN.  A deliberate casting choice?

David Koechner: Well, I can't speak on Adam or Will's behalf, like 100percent, but I'm pretty certain that they both demanded an African-American character for that role.  Megan (Goode) is good!  She delivers on all levels!

myNewYorkeye: Megan rocks the mike (stand up comic pun intended).  There is a very funny "meet the family" scene when her character introduces Ron Burgundy to her successful clan and well...

David Koechner: ....Every known racial slur followed by inaccurate stenotypes paints the introduction?  Is that the family "meet Ron Burgundy" scene your referring too?

myNewYorkeye: Yes.   I've never seen a group of paid actors look so uncomfortable and confused.

David Koechner: That's because I'm fairly certain that Adam and Wik didn't script it.  They wanted to capture the impact of those absurd slurs and most importantly, I think, to show the sincere feelings those "words" have on others!

myNewYorkeye: That explains a lot.  I'm impressed.  Continue?

David Koechner: Racism (to me) is stupid.  I'm a father and my kids didn't see race. They noticed differences but it means nothing to them.  Nothing.  I want a world like that.  I work toward a world like that.  I really do!

Hey when we meet and we will, remind me that your a song?!

myNewYorkeye: I shall indeed.  I'm jealous you're paid to work with your friends!  You laugh and make people laugh to the sound of  "whammy" all the way to the bank!

David Koechner: WHAMMY!  (Laughing) that's so true.  I was just in Australia with Adam and we both just had that "omg this is still real" series of moments.  I'm a father of five so there isn't really enough money.  They keep growing!

myNewYorkeye: When did your parents finally stop worrying about your career choice?

David Koechner: (Laughing) Lapacazo (singing) you are good!  My parents finally started to rest easy with the successful release of the last "Anchorman " They now think this comedy thing just might be a ..

myNewYorkeye & David Koechner ; A whammy!

twitter @DavidKoechner

"Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues" opens December 18.

Barkhad Abdi, On The Seas With Tom Hanks

The film award(a) season---half of the year between September and March---is upon us and I'm confident that "Captain Phillips," directed by Paul Greengrass and starting two time Academy winner Tom Hanks, will receive a heap of nominations and awards and deserving, may I add, all of them.
 
It's an impressive and intelligent film and the acting makes the film an intimate experience.  My colleague Manohla Dargis, of the New York Times in reviewing the film called .... "newcomer Barkhad Abdi very, very fine".
 
I concur.  Here's what Barkhad Abdi shared about working with a Hollywood legend and learning how to swim.
 
myNewYorkeye: Barkhad Abdi, you were tremendous in your role as 'Muse.'  There is even early  "Best Supporting Actor" Oscar buzz around your performance.  How, exactly, did you got the role?

Barkhad Abdi: Fate.  I was at my friend’s house watching tv, and I saw a commercial looking for Somali actors for a Tom Hanks film. I went to the casting call and there were about 800 people there. 
They asked me my name, where I was born, my age, and they gave me a page from the script. They told me to read the role of 'Muse,' so I became that character.

myNewYorkeye: Barkhad Abdi, 800 people is a huge casting call.  How fast did the casting process move?

Barkhad Abdi: Fast for me.  I went back next day. Instead of 800 there were 40.
From that small number we were told to firm groups and that's how we auditioned in day two. 
We could form our own group. I took the lead and made my group unique.

myNewYorkeye: Sounds too easy.  How did the group auditions go? What happened?

Barkhad Abdi: Our first group audition went very badly. So we all went home and practiced and did better later.  Then we waited and waited.  They didn't call for two weeks - two weeks of silence.
 
myNewYorkeye: Two weeks waiting for a major career break is like an eternity.  And then what happened Barkhad Abdi?
 
Barkhad Abdi: Finally, we got a call from casting director - Francine Maisler - to meet with the director, Paul Greengrass. 
We flew to LA to meet with Paul. And that is when we were told we all got the parts.

myNewYorkeye: And then what happened Barkhad Abdi?

Barkhad Abdi: And then I had to jump in the ocean to make sure we weren't dreaming!
 
myNewYorkeye: The "Hollywood ocean is deep and turbulent" but you know that already.  So did you work immediately?
 
Barkhad Abdi: No, the work started a few months later.  First we flew to Malta and trained for a  month and half.
We had to learn how to swim, fight, use weapons, climb, and how to ride a skiff.
 
myNewYorkeye: Barkhad Abdi that is a lot of learning in a short amount of time. What was the biggest challenge during filming?
 
Barkhad Abdi: Swimming. I had never swam before. I couldn't swim in five feet of water.  Honestly.
 
myNewYorkeye: Say what now?  You auditioned for a film, that takes place in the ocean and you didn't know how to swim?  LMAO, Barkhad Abdi, LMAO.
 
Barkhad Abdi: I would DJ pool parties in Minneapolis, but I never swam there. (laughs)
 
myNewYorkeye: Barkhad Abdi much like your character, 'Muse,' your fearless and determined.  What was the most rewarding aspect of filming?
 
Barkhad Abdi: To get to work with all of people in the film. We learned how a film gets made and it really was all a great experience.
Also working with Tom Hanks was rewarding, but then the least rewarding part was having to wait to shoot our first scene with Tom Hanks.
 
myNewYorkeye: Explain?  Film is all "hurry up and (now) wait."
 
Barkhad Abdi: Waiting as an experience.  It was hard for me to scare Tom.  I was lost in that scene 'How do I scare him?'   I used a lot of my imagination to be in that character.  I had to became that character – I did whatever I could to become 'Muse.'
 
myNewYorkeye: Barkhad Abdi believe me you became 'Muse.'  Shooting on an ocean, I can't imagine how complicated. Is "hard" an accurate word to describe the experience?
 
Barkhad Abdi: It was very hard. Every day there was a new problem or difficulty. Whatever we were shooting, it was shooting at sea. Skiffs weren't easy. I would get sea sick at times and I would fall.  Plus the lifeboat was smelly.

During those times, I really tried to stay in character.  Those challenges shaped my character choices. The boat really smelled.
 
myNewYorkeye: What stands out as one of the best days of filming?
 
Barkhad Abdi: The first scene - the village scene was easy for me. It was shooting on land. (Laughs).
 
myNewYorkeye: What would you say the film is really about?
 
Barkhad Abdi: It is a story of two people with very different life styles. One went to school and college, got a job and had a family. He has his life on track.

One lives in a torn up part of the world. He didn't go to school and he sees this (pirating) as his only chance at a better life.

When these two people come together, with forces outside of their control, they both have to understand each other and live with each other.
 
myNewYorkeye: How do you like New York? You’ve been here before, right? And have you ever been to Harlem, Barkhad Abdi?

Barkhad Abdi: I have been to New York and I love Manhattan. I love the energy there.  It's a lot different than Minneapolis. In a good way. (laughs)