German director Wim Wenders and Japanese actor Koji Yakush attended the press conference held at Yapı Kredi Culture and Arts. Wenders answered questions about the movie ‘Perfect Days’, which he wrote and directed.
‘I HAVE MANY TURKISH FRIENDS’
Wenders stated that he was late in coming to Istanbul and said, “I have been waiting for this moment for 78 years. There is no excuse for this. Why did I wait so long to come to such a city? I also have many Turkish friends. It finally happened. When I woke up in the morning, I looked at the Bosphorus view. I say, ‘Where was I all this time?'” he said.
‘WE GOT DETAILED LESSONS’
Wenders stated that they did research on the daily routine of cleaning workers while working on the movie ‘Perfect Days’ and said:
We both learned lessons in different ways. Koji sat with the men and worked. He took more detailed lessons. So I met the man. I sat and watched what his life was like. I tried to guess. He had to be there for the entire shoot in case we asked any technical questions. We always wanted to be with him to see how he does this and how he cleans it. He was a very kind person. I know that at the end of the movie, he offered Koji the head cleaner job. So he could retire.
‘I DID NOT WANT TO WAIT TO COME’
Stating that he wanted to come to Istanbul since he heard the song “Flying to Istanbul/Tonde Istanbul” by Japanese musician Mayo Shouno and that he was very happy to finally be here, Koji Yakusho said, “I received an invitation for the first time and decided to come directly. I didn’t want to wait at all.” ” said.
Based on movie scenes “toilets also have souls” said Yakusho, “Every object, every living thing has a soul. Whenever I clean or clean the toilet, I feel like that spirit will protect me and bring me happiness. That’s why I’m always aware. I know the holy spirit and the role it plays for me.” he said.
Yakusho stated that he spent long hours with the aforementioned toilet cleaner while working on the film. “I had the chance to spend time with him. I learned how he felt, how he did his job, what methods he used. I actually learned a lot from him.” he said.
Koji Yanai, the producer of Wenders’ film “Perfect Days”, which won Yakusho the “Best Actor Award” at Cannes, co-producer Takuma Takasaki, who wrote the script of the film together with Wim Wenders, Chisato Minami, one of the co-producers, and Istanbul Film Festival Director Kerem Ayan, MUBI’s founder Efe Çakarel and cinema critic Engin Ertan attended the meeting as moderators.
While the festival’s “Cinema Honor Award” will be presented to Wenders, Yakusho will be presented today at Atlas 1948.
Tags: Yakusho star Perfect Days award #43rd Istanbul Film Festival
