Isomura Hayato says difficult social material remains important when he chooses film roles. Speaking to Variety at the Tokyo International Film Festival, the Alice in Borderland actor also described judging its Ethical Film Award alongside three students.
Choosing not to avoid a subject
He recalled warnings that a role in The Moon might harm his career because of its sensitive subject. He accepted it rather than avoid the questions of dignity raised by the film, and later won the Japan Academy Film Prize for supporting actor.
Isomura said he sometimes takes a role even when he does not share its viewpoint, because it may expose him to another perspective. Television involves a different balance, with entertainment value playing a greater part in his decisions. These are his working preferences rather than universal rules for actors.
Learning from a mixed jury
The jury inherited three nominated films rather than selecting the shortlist. It chose Isabelle Stever's I Rarely Wake Up Dreaming, which connects gender with the war in Ukraine. The animated Amadeo remained in contention until late in the discussion.
Isomura noticed the students asking whether films left room for hope, a perspective different from his own. He also called for more funding and government interest in Japanese cinema; that is advocacy, not an announcement of new public support.
His next commitments include acting and producing the Shizuoka Film Festival, which he intends to maintain annually to encourage cinema attendance. Another film remains unannounced, leaving its title and overseas release details unresolved.