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GEEK PICTURES-Distributed Invisible Half Holds Opening Day Stage Greeting｜Director Masaki Nishiyama: “I wanted to create the kind of fear that feels like playing a horror game.”
To celebrate the nationwide release of Invisible Half, an opening day stage greeting was held at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya. Director Masaki Nishiyama was joined by cast members Lisa Siera, Runa Hirasawa, and Mayu Ozawa, who shared behind-the-scenes stories and reflected on the six-year journey of bringing the film to life.
Director Nishiyama, who wrote, directed, and edited the film, expressed his gratitude, saying, “It still feels surreal that such a low-budget independent film is now being shown in 28 theaters across Japan.” Looking back on the production, he explained that the absence of strict deadlines in the independent filmmaking process allowed him to fully realize every detail of his creative vision.
Lisa Siera , who plays the protagonist Elena Takahashi, revealed that she decided to join the project after reading the script while studying abroad. “Rather than simply portraying the struggles of a mixed-race character, the story presents Elena’s conflicts in a way that anyone can relate to,” she said. Director Nishiyama added that her performance brought authenticity and depth to the role.
The cast also shared memorable stories from filming, including the four years spent creating more than 80 VFX shots and Director Nishiyama’s meticulous attention to detail. Lighthearted moments emerged as Siera recalled being asked not to blink for 90 seconds during one scene, while Hirasawa jokingly revealed the director had once requested that she cry using only her right eye, drawing laughter from both the audience and the cast.
Reflecting on the production, Mayu Ozawa praised Director Nishiyama’s dedication, noting that the entire cast and crew were inspired by his uncompromising pursuit of quality throughout filming.
Closing the event, Director Nishiyama described Invisible Half as “a horror film that offers the immersive excitement of playing a horror game, while also telling a coming-of-age story.” He encouraged audiences to share their interpretations after watching the film, expressing his hope that discussions and theories would continue to spread online.
Invisible Half is now playing in theaters nationwide.
Director Nishiyama, who wrote, directed, and edited the film, expressed his gratitude, saying, “It still feels surreal that such a low-budget independent film is now being shown in 28 theaters across Japan.” Looking back on the production, he explained that the absence of strict deadlines in the independent filmmaking process allowed him to fully realize every detail of his creative vision.
Lisa Siera , who plays the protagonist Elena Takahashi, revealed that she decided to join the project after reading the script while studying abroad. “Rather than simply portraying the struggles of a mixed-race character, the story presents Elena’s conflicts in a way that anyone can relate to,” she said. Director Nishiyama added that her performance brought authenticity and depth to the role.
The cast also shared memorable stories from filming, including the four years spent creating more than 80 VFX shots and Director Nishiyama’s meticulous attention to detail. Lighthearted moments emerged as Siera recalled being asked not to blink for 90 seconds during one scene, while Hirasawa jokingly revealed the director had once requested that she cry using only her right eye, drawing laughter from both the audience and the cast.
Reflecting on the production, Mayu Ozawa praised Director Nishiyama’s dedication, noting that the entire cast and crew were inspired by his uncompromising pursuit of quality throughout filming.
Closing the event, Director Nishiyama described Invisible Half as “a horror film that offers the immersive excitement of playing a horror game, while also telling a coming-of-age story.” He encouraged audiences to share their interpretations after watching the film, expressing his hope that discussions and theories would continue to spread online.
Invisible Half is now playing in theaters nationwide.
Information
GEEK PICTURES-Distributed Invisible Half Holds Opening Day Stage Greeting｜Director Masaki Nishiyama: “I wanted to create the kind of fear that feels like playing a horror game.”
To celebrate the nationwide release of Invisible Half, an opening day stage greeting was held at Human Trust Cinema Shibuya. Director Masaki Nishiyama was joined by cast members Lisa Siera, Runa Hirasawa, and Mayu Ozawa, who shared behind-the-scenes stories and reflected on the six-year journey of bringing the film to life.
Director Nishiyama, who wrote, directed, and edited the film, expressed his gratitude, saying, “It still feels surreal that such a low-budget independent film is now being shown in 28 theaters across Japan.” Looking back on the production, he explained that the absence of strict deadlines in the independent filmmaking process allowed him to fully realize every detail of his creative vision.
Lisa Siera , who plays the protagonist Elena Takahashi, revealed that she decided to join the project after reading the script while studying abroad. “Rather than simply portraying the struggles of a mixed-race character, the story presents Elena’s conflicts in a way that anyone can relate to,” she said. Director Nishiyama added that her performance brought authenticity and depth to the role.
The cast also shared memorable stories from filming, including the four years spent creating more than 80 VFX shots and Director Nishiyama’s meticulous attention to detail. Lighthearted moments emerged as Siera recalled being asked not to blink for 90 seconds during one scene, while Hirasawa jokingly revealed the director had once requested that she cry using only her right eye, drawing laughter from both the audience and the cast.
Reflecting on the production, Mayu Ozawa praised Director Nishiyama’s dedication, noting that the entire cast and crew were inspired by his uncompromising pursuit of quality throughout filming.
Closing the event, Director Nishiyama described Invisible Half as “a horror film that offers the immersive excitement of playing a horror game, while also telling a coming-of-age story.” He encouraged audiences to share their interpretations after watching the film, expressing his hope that discussions and theories would continue to spread online.
Invisible Half is now playing in theaters nationwide.
Director Nishiyama, who wrote, directed, and edited the film, expressed his gratitude, saying, “It still feels surreal that such a low-budget independent film is now being shown in 28 theaters across Japan.” Looking back on the production, he explained that the absence of strict deadlines in the independent filmmaking process allowed him to fully realize every detail of his creative vision.
Lisa Siera , who plays the protagonist Elena Takahashi, revealed that she decided to join the project after reading the script while studying abroad. “Rather than simply portraying the struggles of a mixed-race character, the story presents Elena’s conflicts in a way that anyone can relate to,” she said. Director Nishiyama added that her performance brought authenticity and depth to the role.
The cast also shared memorable stories from filming, including the four years spent creating more than 80 VFX shots and Director Nishiyama’s meticulous attention to detail. Lighthearted moments emerged as Siera recalled being asked not to blink for 90 seconds during one scene, while Hirasawa jokingly revealed the director had once requested that she cry using only her right eye, drawing laughter from both the audience and the cast.
Reflecting on the production, Mayu Ozawa praised Director Nishiyama’s dedication, noting that the entire cast and crew were inspired by his uncompromising pursuit of quality throughout filming.
Closing the event, Director Nishiyama described Invisible Half as “a horror film that offers the immersive excitement of playing a horror game, while also telling a coming-of-age story.” He encouraged audiences to share their interpretations after watching the film, expressing his hope that discussions and theories would continue to spread online.
Invisible Half is now playing in theaters nationwide.
