#Japan #Ishinomaki #Miyuki Shigeta #Monaco Festival

A Remarkable Achievement for Miyuki Shigeta

This year, the prestigious Monaco International Film Festival, also known as the Angel Film Awards, has made an impressive selection by including the debut film starring Miyuki Shigeta in their lineup. The film, titled Let’s go! Love Ishinomaki “United smiles across the world”, is also the directorial debut of Tomohisa Ishigami, renowned for his work as a VJ in both Japan and internationally. This film will be showcased at the festival, which commences on November 21 in the beautiful city of Monte Carlo, Monaco.

The Monaco International Film Festival has been a beacon for themes of love, peace, and non-violence since its establishment in 2003 by Rosana Golden and Dean Bentley. It picks around 18 films for nomination and screening each year, attracting a multitude of notable industry figures. Previous attendees have included big names like David Lynch and Paul McCartney, which adds to the significance of the occasion.

Miyuki Shigeta, an influential figure in the Japanese entertainment scene, is not only an actress but also a professor in the Hospitality Management Program at Asia University. As a tourism ambassador for Ishinomaki, she has infused her personal experiences into the film, which focuses on the theme of recovery and smiles in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Her ongoing dedication to promoting smiles through her Smile Training initiative is also a critical aspect captured in this film, making it a poignant short documentary.

The film showcases the past 14 years of Shigeta's commitment to smile recovery activities in Ishinomaki and documents the participation of her students from the MYK seminar. Their involvement extends beyond filmmaking; for years, they've contributed to local events, such as the Ishinomaki River Opening Festival, which is also featured in the film.

In this documentary-style short film, viewers will witness breathtaking shots of Ishinomaki’s natural beauty, captured using drones, unveiling new tourism potentials. Students from MYK participate actively, as they work hand-in-hand with Shigeta in promoting smiles and positivity within the community. Notably, one memorable scene shows the San Juan Bautista ship sailing into the open sea, a visually striking moment that resonates with the film’s central theme.

As Shigeta moves into the film world, it marks a significant milestone in her career. Previously, she has represented issues of world peace and smiles at various international platforms, including the United Nations Development Programme. The joy of this selection was palpable among her students and event attendees, as they celebrated together, capturing this momentous occasion on film during the Asia University festival.

According to director Tomohisa Ishigami, “This film is dedicated to everyone impacted by wars and natural disasters across the globe. We hope that through this work, we can contribute positively to the recovery of countries, cities, and hearts.” His message encapsulates the spirit of resilience and the transformative power of smiles, emphasizing that a single smile has the potential to save the world.

For Miyuki Shigeta and her filmmaking crew, this is only the beginning. The film's selection for such a noteworthy festival highlights their hard work and passion, paving the way for future projects that may similarly inspire and uplift. As the festival draws near, the anticipation for this film continues to grow, promising an enriching experience for all who will witness it.