Neo Sora

Neo Sora, a Japanese-American filmmaker and Palestine solidarity activist based in Tokyo, shares insights on his latest film, Happyend, which premiered at prestigious festivals like Venice and Toronto. The conversation explores the interplay of friendship and political activism in the film, highlighting themes of youth rebellion against Japanese imperialism. Neo reflects on his political awakening post-Fukushima, his cinematic influences, and the importance of diverse storytelling as a catalyst for social change, particularly in the context of ongoing global injustices.

In this engaging chat with Neo Sora, a talented Japanese-American filmmaker known for his Venice Film Festival premiere, Happyend, he shares insights on his filmmaking journey. He reflects on his admiration for Edward Yang and discusses the balance of friendship and activism within his work. The conversation dives into Japan's multicultural landscape, the impact of colonialism, and his passionate pro-Palestine advocacy during festival appearances. With humor woven into storytelling, Sora emphasizes the importance of connecting personal experiences with larger societal issues.