One of the most popular sessions at ADFEST is without doubt the Fabulous Four short film premiere, when four up-and-coming directors have the chance to show off their talents to the world.
 

This week, we chat toNaoya Yamaguchi, Director at Hat Inc. in Tokyo – a phenomenally talented young director, who won both the Commendation & Popular Vote for his Fabulous Four short film at ADFEST 2017.
 

Yamaguchi’s film, ‘The Dolls With Attitude’, opens with a girl asking her friends if she has seemed different lately. They don’t notice anything. “Why don’t they notice,” wonders the girl, “that I’ve turned into a doll?”
 

It’s the kind of exquisitely crafted, utterly unique film that Japanese directors are famous for – all the more wonderful because this film is directed by someone who is still learning his craft as a director.
 

How did you get the idea for this film?
 
I wanted to make this a story that makes a persuasive point about things that concern me personally. Recently, what bothers me more than anything is the tendency we all have to be so focused on adapting our behavior to suit other people that we lose our sense of self. For my part, I find myself putting a smile on my face and internalizing what I feel instead of expressing myself openly to others. That realization was my starting point, and based on that I created my main character and her story.
 

What was the hardest part of bringing your script to life?
 
A key challenge was achieving the impact I wanted within a limited budget. I got a lot of help from colleagues and found a way to put the movie together.
 

Japanese directors are famous for making films that are beautifully crafted, and a little bizarre. How does living in Japan inspire you as a director?
 
I think many Japanese have a high tolerance for things we can’t quite clearly understand. In Japanese horror movies, it’s often not clear who the monster is until the end. Sometimes it’s not even clear at the end. And even beyond the horror genre, movies often end leaving the viewer quite unclear. Having watched such movies since I was a boy has certainly influenced my work.
 

Do you think being a Fabulous Four director has helped your career?
 
Becoming a Fabulous Four director has definitely led to new opportunities. I’ve been invited to direct more, and made some great new contacts. And it’s made me realize how important it is to make sure to get my work out into the world so that people can see it. The experience of completing this work and enjoying the recognition it has achieved has given me new confidence.
 

What is your favourite memory of ADFEST 2017?
 
I was extremely pleased when I received the commendation for best short film, and also when I got the popular vote nod. Since my work was created as a commentary on Japanese society, I wasn’t at all sure it would be appreciated elsewhere. I was delighted to see that viewers in other countries could identify with what I was trying to communicate.
 

I would also love to know: who is your favourite director? 
 
David Fincher. I admire his intricate storytelling and detailed visual treatments. The way he polishes and polishes his work until it becomes a unique expression of his vision is something I truly respect.
 

Watch ‘The Dolls with Attitude’ here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u-rCfjbHVmg
 

The identities of the Fabulous Four New Directors 2018 will be revealed next week.