Japanese actors gaining recognition on the world stage are few and far between these days, but this week actress Maya Murofushi – in her very first lead role – took home the Best Actress award at the 37th International Festival of Cinema and Women in Florence.Part of the annual “50 days of Cinema” in the Italian city, the event recognizes three artists each year with the “Premio Gilda” award, with Chinese-British novelist Xiaolu Guo, and Meris Nicoletto the others winners.Murofushi won for her role in the debut feature by local female director Alessandra Pescetta, who cast her opposite Giovanni Calcagno in “The Nightless City / (La Città Senza Notte).” The film tells the tale of Mariko, a Japanese woman struggling to sleep following the Fukushima accident, who reconnects with her ex-fiancee from Italy, Salvatore. The story examines the struggles to communicate as they search for a new imaginary place together in order to rediscover themselves.Having been born to two classical musician parents, Murofoshi’s career curve has been in creative industries since young, learning piano and practicing ballet since age four. Going on to become a successful model, she competed in the World Supermodel pageant, and broke through as an actress in “Human Error,” directed by Yu Iwasaki. ARTINFO caught up with her in Florence, to discuss her award.You are perhaps best known in Japan previously for appearing in the World Supermodel pageant. Why did you apply and what did you learn from that experience?I speak five languages, which always makes me think I should work internationally, and I wanted to open the gate with it. I actually really learned something important there, that if you want to win, all you have to do is focus not on the others but on yourself, and just do your best.I studied in Siena, Italy for three years, that’s where my Italian and French are coming from. English I self-studied, and now I'm living in Spain, thinking to study Mandarin Chinese from next year.I think the most important thing is having a strong intention of communication and understanding of others. Being curious and absorbing everything as you did when you were a baby is the key, I believe.Regarding “The Nightless City,” how did you find the role, and what was the casting process?It was so strange! When I went to jazz chorus class in Rome, a woman sat next me (that was the first and last time I saw her there) somehow insisted me to contact an unknown director named Alessandra Pescetta. I didn't do anything initially, but it was bothering my mind. So, days later I finally decided to contact with her, and everything had happened.Now she's like my sister. I call her “Amore” (love). She's not even like a director for me, she’s my family – a family that makes great things together.What does it mean to you to win the Gilda Award?Italy feels like home now and because I lived in Tuscany, this is really an honor for me. This is my first lead role in a feature film and my first award as an actress, and if this means that I could bring something to my nation, Japan, there’s nothing more that can make me happy.What do you find are the challenges for women in Japanese film, and is this why you choose a foreign film to work in?I don’t think this is only for the film industry but everything in general. I think probably the film industry is even better from other industries, since we need female roles for the films! I'm sure the ratio of lead role actresses is more than female lead politician or presidents of companies. So for me this is a rather generic and wider problem as a gender issue.The film touches on several issues symptomatic of modern Japanese society. Can you share your thoughts individually on these?– The struggles of communication and isolation amongst Japanese men and women.I think this is not about only in love relationship but any kind of relationship in Japan. Basically Japanese people have a tendency to be shy, conservative, discreet, and introverted. And I'm not saying these as negative things, since all elements have good and bad sides.However, recently advanced conveniences and technology in general significantly decreased the opportunities to have face to face communication, which is, in my opinion, crucial to have the skill to communicate, connect, and understand people.– A pattern of Japanese women seeking western partners in high proportion compared to Japanese men and western partners.Well, I understand that some Japanese women seek out foreign men, finding the attraction from the differences they have with Japanese men. But while it’s easy to see women doing this, I think [the imbalance] is because Japanese men are not so popular for foreign women, because I'm sure there are a lot of men who love foreign women too.In an international perspective Japanese women can be pretty, but generally, a lot of Japanese man look and act like.... well, gay. Not too manly. Though obviously this is not true for all.– The desire for Japanese to seek alternate realities through games, anime, cosplay, love dolls etc., and the impact it has on real life and partnerships in the country.A lack of communication in reality makes people lonely. When you are isolated you tend to live in an imaginary world and become afraid of communication. It’s funny, because it’s come from the lack of communication itself!I'm not rejecting games or anime themselves, they are absolutely amazing and I love them but the important thing is to balancing it with reality. More important is your body, the person in front of you, and the world that created such great things.What do you hope people will take away from this film?This film is speaking much about pain, suffering, and struggles. On a deep level, this is not even about Japan or Italy. This is a story of humans who face their fears and share it with others, convert it into other powers, such as art, caring, or dedication.Living just longer doesn't mean anything. But sharing, caring, facing and fighting for the life with somebody you love....that wouldn't necessarily make the life longer but definitely, better.
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