Acclaimed Japanese director Sho Miyake discusses his latest film Two Seasons, Two Strangers, exploring existential questions about human connection and isolation. His work balances tension with discomfort, revealing the beauty in life’s small, steady efforts.

Miyake explains that he admires characters who are clumsy yet honest, as it reflects his own aspiration to be more authentic. Small, Slow But Steady focuses on a deaf boxer’s journey, highlighting the subtle tension between ambition and personal struggles.

The director notes that making films is about reflecting on why we exist and what drives us. In Two Seasons, Two Strangers, he examines these themes through the lens of a screenwriter and the stories she creates. The film’s structural innovations, inspired by manga, offer a unique exploration of human connections.

Miyake’s approach to filmmaking is meticulous, with each scene considered crucial. He emphasizes the importance of showing everyday details that may be overlooked but are essential in telling a story. His latest work at the Locarno Film Festival has garnered praise for its innovative structure and thematic depth.