Sômai Shinji

Sômai Shinji

Born in 1948 in Morioka, Iwate, Bio Shinji Sômai gave up his studies in literature at Chuo University in 1972 to become an assistant director under contract to Studio Nikkatsu. He then went freelance, working as an assistant director with filmmakers such as Hasgawa Kazuhiko and Terayama Shuji. He directed his first film, Tonda Couple in 1980. His second feature, Sailor Suit and Machine Gun (1981), was a huge success, hailed as one of the greatest Japanese films of the year. Sômai’s singular style, characterised by bold camerawork, long sequences and rigorous direction of the actors, caused a sensation among film fans. Sômai’s thirteen works continue to inspire many directors to this day.