Oda Kori: The Rising Documentary Filmmaker Captivating International Audiences
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Bangkok, Thailand - Documentary filmmaker Oda Kori is set to attend the “what the Doc!” international documentary festival in Bangkok, August 22-31. kori’s work, celebrated for its unique voice and visual storytelling, has garnered notable recognition, including the Oshima Nagisa Prize in 2020 and selections at prestigious film festivals worldwide.
Early Career and Film.factory
oda Kori’s path to filmmaking was unconventional. Initially dedicated to basketball, an injury redirected her focus to film studies in the United States. She began her formal training with a project at the University of Hollyins in Virginia, winning the Nara International Film Festival in 2011 with her work, “Noise Ga IU Ni wa” (THUS A NOISE SPEAKS).
Kori further honed her skills at Film.Factory, an autonomous director growth project founded by acclaimed Hungarian director Béla Tarr and established in Sarajevo, Bosnia, in 2013.This intensive program, limited to fewer than 20 students per cohort, boasted a distinguished faculty including Apichatpong Weerasethakul, gaspar Van Sant, and Tilda Swinton.
Pro tip: Film.Factory’s emphasis on mentorship and unconventional learning environments has become a model for independent film education.
The oshima Nagisa Prize and Critical Acclaim
In 2020, Kori received the inaugural Oshima Nagisa Prize, awarded by the PIA Film Festival. the prize, named after the groundbreaking Japanese director Nagisa Oshima, recognizes filmmakers who challenge conventions and push the boundaries of Japanese cinema. Despite not initially meeting the eligibility criteria-requiring at least three cinematic releases and a recent work-Kori’s talent resonated with the jury chair, the late musician Ryuichi Sakamoto. Sakamoto praised Kori’s work, specifically “Cenote,” for its alignment with Oshima’s spirit of challenging norms and exploring the impact of societal forces on individuals.
Recent Works and Festival Selections
Kori’s recent films have achieved significant recognition on the international festival circuit.”Under Ground” (2024) was selected as one of only 12 films from a pool of 1,599 submissions from 74 countries to compete at a major festival. Additionally, her films “GAMA” (1980) and “Cenote” (2019) were featured in special programs at the Yidff International Documentary Festival in Japan, curated by veteran filmmaker Makiko Wakai, who also selects films for the Amsterdam International Film Festival (IDFA).
Key Film Details
| Film Title | Year | Key Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| Noise Ga IU Ni wa (THUS A NOISE SPEAKS) | 2011 | Nara International Film festival Winner |
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