Extraneous Matter Film Spotlight

Today’s film spotlight focuses on the feature film Extraneous Matter directed by Kenichi Ugana as part of the Pendance Film Festival.

What is the title of your film and what inspired said title?

”Extraneous Matter-Complete Edition-“

Last year I directed a short film called “Extraneous Matter”. After that, I added three more stories and made it into a feature film.

Tell us a little bit about the story and origins of your film.

We think we know why most things happen, but we probably don’t know why most things happen. The way people are swept up in such events is part horror, part comedy, but I find such people endearing. That’s what I wanted to depict in this film.

Any films or filmmakers that inspired this film?

The film was influenced by numerous filmmakers, including Shinya Tsukamoto, David Lynch, Andrzej Żuławski, Jim Jarmusch, Roy Andersson, Aki Kaurismäki, David Cronenberg, and Charles Chaplin.

What is the goal of the film for you?

I would be happy if the audience is creeped out, laughs, and is a little moved at the end. I believe that is what life is all about.

What has the journey been like getting the film into production?

At first I directed it as a short film. At that time, I just wanted to direct an absurd comedy. But because of COVID-19, the world has become more absurd. I couldn’t let the film lose to reality, so I decided to make three more films after that. The whole shooting took only five days in total, but by the time I directed the last chapter, a year had passed since the first one.

One thing you learned from this project?

This film reminded me that “film is freedom.”

How can folks find you and your film online?

I am on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, so feel free to follow me or send me a message. All four of my previous feature films are available on various distribution sites in Japan, but I think “Wild Virgins” is the only one that is available worldwide. This film is also very interesting and we hope you will watch it. The two films that were selected for the Pendance Film Festival have already been distributed worldwide, but it will take a little more time.

Any last pieces of advice for fellow filmmakers?

Let’s have lots of fun while we make the film!

The Pendance Film Festival runs from March 10-13, 2022.

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