Watanabe Hirobumi, a renowned filmmaker, came into this world in 1982 within the picturesque Otawara, nestled in the picturesque Tochigi prefecture of Japan.
Following his academic pursuits, Watanabe graduated with honors in Japanese literature, his academic achievements laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.
Subsequently, he enrolled in the esteemed Japan Academy of Moving Images, where he further honed his cinematic skills.
His graduation project, a thought-provoking and visually stunning 41-minute film titled The Light Pig of August, resonated with audiences far and wide, garnering widespread acclaim and recognition.
This groundbreaking work earned the Grand Prix at the prestigious Fuji Film Lovers Festival, as well as a plethora of other distinguished awards, cementing Watanabe's status as a rising star in the world of Japanese cinema.
In the year 2013, a significant event took place as Watanabe, a creative individual, co-founded a film production company called Foolish Piggies Films alongside his brother Yuji, a highly accomplished film composer renowned for his exceptional work in the industry. This notable partnership marked the beginning of a new chapter in Watanabe's career as a filmmaker.
Their inaugural production was also Watanabe's feature film debut, a cinematic masterpiece titled And the Mud Ship Sails Away..., which made its world premiere at the prestigious 26th Tokyo International Film Festival. The film's exceptional quality and appeal did not go unnoticed, as it received multiple screenings outside of Japan, showcasing its global appeal.
After its initial premiere, the film was released in Japanese theaters in December 2014, giving the Japanese audience an opportunity to experience Watanabe's debut feature film.
Watanabe's sophomore cinematic endeavour, 7 Days, garnered widespread acclaim and accolades, ultimately taking home the prestigious best film award in the Japanese Cinema Splash section of the 28th Tokyo International Film Festival, a testament to his growing reputation as a talented filmmaker.
He has been extended numerous invitations to participate in esteemed film festivals, including the 17th Nippon Connection festival, where his remarkable work was recognized with the esteemed Nippon Vision Jury Award, a nod to his exceptional storytelling abilities and dedication to his craft.
Watanabe has maintained a prolific pace in his filmmaking career, with a consistent output of at least one film annually. This creative momentum is largely attributed to his collaborative relationship with his brother Yuji, who has been responsible for composing the soundtrack for each of his films. Additionally, Bang Woo-hyun has played a crucial role as director of photography, bringing his expertise to the project.
However, Watanabe's latest film, I'm Really Good, released in 2020, stands out as a notable exception to this pattern. For the first time, Watanabe took on the additional responsibility of serving as cameraman, marking a significant departure from his traditional role as director. This bold decision showcases Watanabe's willingness to experiment and challenge himself as an artist.
It's worth mentioning that the film "I'm Really Good" marks a significant milestone in the career of Watanabe, as it is the first movie in which his grandmother, who remarkably lived to the age of 102, makes no appearance. This notable absence is all the more striking considering the long-standing collaboration between Watanabe and his team, which has spanned nearly a decade.
