“I had wondered why Japanese movies are so sad, serious, and depressing most of the time. I came to think that it’s the budget. Budgets for indie movies in Japan are actually much smaller than ones in overseas. It is very difficult to make something exciting and flashy because they simply cost a lot.
I wanted to change that...”
It matters that Crying Bitch shortfilm helmer Reiki Tsuno feels this way as we head into a new year with his independent feature debut, Mad Cats. Fairing all the same is that Japanese cinematic action has become a little more commercially prolific in the past year – enough for the likes of Tsuno to get to ride the momentum with the good folks at this year’s upcoming Slamdance Film Festival also taking notice. Indeed, Tsuno’s humbly-produced and driven crowdfunded effort is now looking to gain traction with an official teaser to signal its presentation at the 28th installment of the festival along with a gallery of key artwork and still imagery, all of which you can view at the bottom of the page.
What should have been a young man’s emotional journey to find his missing brother turns into a nightmare when he gets embroiled in a monster cats’ revenge massacre against evil humans who abused them.
Mad Cats wrapped up principal photography two summers ago, before kicking off post-production last spring and even rewarding Campfire backers with a ten-minute preview that is still online. The film will finally bow for the 28th Slamdance next Saturday at 9:45 pm at the Treasure Mountain Inn, Ballroom, before its encore at 3:15 at the Treasure Mountain Inn, Crescent.
Tsuno directs Mad Cats from his own script, and also produced next to Daisuke Urano, and Takahiro Fukiya, with cinematography by Shintaro Teramoto, and music by Yuki Hotta and Amish Noise. The film also features action sequences by Manfa Santo and Yasuko Tsuji – something to bear in mind with the aforementioned Ayane now hailing her starring feature debut.
Per Ayane in a statement from the press kit:
“MAD CATS was the first movie I auditioned for after jumping into the world of performing arts. I am forever proud to have had the opportunity to play the wonderful role of ‘A mysterious young girl’ in this film. I definitely want to be a world-class action star!…”
Ayane joins a cast list toplining Sho Mineo, Yuya Matsuura, So Yamanaka and Michael Aaron Stone. Check out a little of what they bring to the table in the official Slamdance promo teaser below in addition to the gallery, and feel free to glance at my previous coverage on the film here. As for all things Slamdance, visit the official website!
Taka, a shiftless young man, sets off on a quest to find his missing brother Mune. Teaming up with a quirky new friend and an edgy, mysterious young girl, Taka finds himself taking on a pack of vicious monster cats determined to execute unscrupulous pet shop owners.
“Why are the monster cats after him? Why was his brother captured? What is the purpose of this mysterious young girl?“
Mysteries are about to be revealed as the journey leads to a final showdown.
