Director Saito Kisin Explores Grief Through Surreal Imagery in Debut Film ‘Kefi’

A Unique Approach to Loss

Director and cinematographer Saito Kisin has unveiled his debut feature film, "Kefi," currently showcased in the Nippon Cinema Now section at the Tokyo International Film Festival. The film is a surreal exploration of complex family dynamics and the subjective nature of grief, triggered by the personal experience of the director's father's death in 2024.

Narrative and Themes

The film follows three sisters who learn of their estranged father's passing, a plot point that mirrors the filmmaker's own life. Saito utilizes a blend of unconventional elements to navigate the emotions surrounding this loss, including:

• Surrealist Motifs: The film incorporates aliens, dinosaurs, and dream sequences to depict feelings that do not always align with traditional portrayals of mourning.
• Varied Visual Styles: The director switches between monochrome and vivid colors, as well as distinct camera techniques, to reflect the varying emotional states of the characters.
• Disconnected Narratives: The sisters spend much of the film living separate lives, emphasizing Saito’s belief that family members do not always share identical perspectives or experiences.

Filmmaking Philosophy

Saito took a hands-on approach to the production, crediting himself as the writer, director, cinematographer, gaffer, and editor. He noted that this minimalist process, often involving friends as actors and familiar, accessible technology, allowed him to maintain a singular creative vision without the potential distractions found on larger sets. Through "Kefi," Saito aims to challenge international expectations of Japanese cinema, moving beyond traditional archetypes to showcase a more modern and eclectic sensibility.