‘Look Back’ Writer-Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama On The Strengths And Struggles Of Making A Unique Feature Film

deadline.com:

Kiyotaka Oshiyama’s animated debut feature film Look Back, based on the best-selling manga by Tatuski Fujimoto, is a heartfelt coming-of-age drama that has resonated with moviegoers and at home audiences globally, amassing more than $12 million worldwide and landing a spot on Prime Video.

At just under an hour, Look Back follows the popular Ayumi Fujino (Yumi Kawai) who has been long praised for her humorous comics in the school newspaper.

However, when her teacher asks her to share panel space with Kyomoto (Mizuki Yoshida), an absent recluse, her beautiful artwork outshines Fujino’s and kickstarts friendly rivalry between them into their young adult years.

Here, Deadline talks to Oshiyama about the significance of Look Back and the highs and lows of pursuing creative endeavors.   DEADLINE: What was your entryway into Look Back?