Awareness Film Festival 2018 - The Laws of the Universe-Part I
Astonishing animation film, seeking the true genesis of humankind, which is portrayed with magnificent scale, the main character travels back 330 million years ago to protect the Earth against invaders from the dark-side of the universe.
Interview with Director Isamu Imakake
Congratulations! Why did you make your film?
I was deeply moved by Ryuho Okawa’s original story and I thought I could portray this important message with Japanese animation technology.
UFOs, aliens, the existence of other planets and its civilizations, are things which we cannot see and yet scientifically proved to exist. However, by paying attention and seeking those mysterious worlds will enhance our cognition and become the power to open a possibility for the future. I wish people to have an opportunity to think about this world view.
Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?
The world now has a lot of different issues. I think this film has hints and themes to solve those issues.
Racial discrimination, conflicts between ethnicities and religions are severe problems on Earth. However, in order to build up the peaceful world, it is more important to accept diversity and understand each other than fight and hate one another.
Often we meet people who cannot understand or accept. But when we meet somebody like that, I think it is important to look upon what God wishes for us, who has been watching over since the very beginning of humankind.
How do personal and universal themes work in your film?
Love is one of the main themes of this film. There are different kinds of love, such as love for neighbors, nations, ethnicities, religions and more. We believe there is an even bigger love that embraces everything on Earth.
This film has a lot of fighting scenes, I want you to know there are different kinds of battles. One of the keywords is “the strong shall protect the weak; that is the nobless oblide.” I believe the battles for love and justice in order to protect something or someone is important to keep the world in peace. So, even if you hurt someone in the past, I believe that by awakening to true love and faith, you can grow, improve and become a better human being.
How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development?
In the film, there is a Reptilian called Zamza. First, she believes the strong shall rule over the weak, but through her journey in the story, she awakens to her true mission by realizing what is love and faith. And through the words of Alpha, the god of the Earth, she questions herself, “what is true strength?“. The transformation she goes through is something we would like viewers to enjoy.
What type of feedback have you received so far?
Some say visuals are really beautiful. The story goes back to 330 million years ago on Earth, so the story takes us to a magnificent scale of universe. Some others are surprised by the dynamic energy of the film. Some others say it felt so real and how space was depicted was speculator.
Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?
I was surprised to hear that so many people felt the story was close to their hearts. Also, I was happy to hear positive comments as a sequel film of the Laws of the Universe-Part 0.
What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible on www.wearemovingstories.com?
I wish this website gives opportunities to many people to see the film, and hope my messages lead the viewers to think about the earth, space, god, people and just everybody else around you.
Who do you need to come on board (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists) to amplify this film’s message?
We want everyone around the world with different values and perspectives to watch the film. That is one of the reasons why we decided to do a simultaneous release in North America and Japan. Also, I hope all the industry related people will watch it as well.
What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?
The story is set on the Earth 330 million years ago, so I hope everyone feels the new vibe through out the movie with astonishing sounds and music. Also, I think the viewers would be very surprised by how each of the aliens have different values.
The story goes beyond what we learn in history classes at schools. Humankind already existed at that time, and they lived in a high-civilized society. Other aliens who came from different planets also have high-level of civilizations. If we think about it, it sounds crazy, but what if there is a truth in this film?
As an entertainment, please simply enjoy the beauty of the visuals, the powerful impact of the music, and the mysterious illustration. Please watch it as if they are real!
What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?
“Where did we, humankind come from?”
I think many people wonder this kind of basic questions about life. The theme of this film raises these questions. When we talk about aliens, people tend to think they all come from somewhere really far, but what if person next to you is an alien! Or what if you yourself is actually an alien from long time ago! So from the very beginning to the end, this movie challenges and seeks the truth about the diverse world we live in.
Would you like to add anything else?
The unrivaled part of this film is the “expression of light”. Only animation can express it beautifully and spiritually. Also, please enjoy beautiful as yet terrifying visuals of VFX. The VFX director in charge of this film is active in Hollywood.
You can experience the sounds of 330 million years ago only in theaters. Sounds of winds, birds singing, and wondering mysterious wave lengths… Since I asked to create the sounds, which penetrate this world to the other world, heavenly world, it was really tough but fun challenge. I think they did a really good job in creating the spiritual atmosphere.
What other projects are the key creatives developing or working on now?
We are planning on making Part II now…! Please look forward to it.
Interview: October 2018
We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series, music video, women's films, LGBTQIA+, POC, First Nations, scifi, supernatural, horror, world cinema. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela
The Laws of the Universe-Part I
Astonishing animation film, seeking the true genesis of humankind, which is portrayed with magnificent scale, the main character travels back 330 million years ago to protect the Earth against invaders from the dark-side of the universe.
Length: 120 mins
Director: Isamu Imakake
About the director:
Director: Japanese animator, screenwriter, television director and producer. Known for Cowboy Bepop as set designer, Neon Genesis Evangelion as character designer.
Key cast: Josh Keaton, Yuri Lowenthal, Kari Wahlgren, Hynden Walch, Roger Craig Smith, Zehra Fazal, Aleks Le, D.C Daglas, Wendee Lee, Tom Kenny
Looking for (producers, sales agents, buyers, distributors, film festival directors, journalists):
Social media handles:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HSPicturesStudio/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/HSPicStudio
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/hspicstudio/
Other: Official website: https://laws-of-universe.hspicturesstudio.com/
Hashtags you use: lawsoftheuniverse, Isamu Imakake,
The film premiered at Awareness Film Festival
@HSpicStudio
Where can I watch it next and in the coming month?:
https://www.elevenarts.net/animedistrbution/laws-of-the-universe-part-1