Skip City International D-Cinema Film Festival, Japan

It was an honor to be invited as a juror with the Skip City International Film Festival this past week.  We had over 800 submissions from almost 85 countries.  The festival discovers and supports emerging filmmakers and celebrates the global recognition of digital technology.  The grand prize was awarded to director Giorgio Diritti for his moving story that depicts the life of poor town folk engulfed in the horrors of WWII, as seen through the eyes of a mute eight year old girl.  While in Tokyo, I had a chance to visit Hachiko's statue and he was surrounded by enthusiastic admirers of all ages.  Everyone wanted to take a photo with Hachi!  See filmbiz Asia for coverage of the event.