THE SUPPORT SAKE TOUR, 37min., USA
Directed by Christopher Leyva
When a catastrophic earthquake devastates Japan’s Noto Peninsula, San Diego business owner and mother Raechel is compelled to act. After learning that Seiko Kinshichi has lost both her home and her historic family brewery, Raechel—who once endured a similar loss—feels a profound connection and becomes determined to help a stranger rebuild her life.

https://www.instagram.com/kibou.events

Get to know writer/producer Raechel Kadoya:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

Experiencing an extremely large earthquake in Japan, for the second time in my life, motivated me to take action to help others who were going through the aftermath of disaster. I wanted to spread awareness while keeping the story relevant in people's minds for years to come. So many times, a story of tragedy gets lost amongst other stories of tragedies and the people and their struggles get forgotten. Creating a film is a means to solidify it in history and it allows us, as a community to not forget and to continue to support even in small and unique ways.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

It took us about a year and a half to complete from idea to finish project.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Helping Community.

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

Besides money, the biggest obstacle we faced was opposition when people we ask for support couldn't understand what we were trying to do. That could be quite heartbreaking and negative however we push through and made it happen.

5. There are 5 stages of the filmmaking process: Development. Pre-Production. Production. Post-Production. Distribution.

What is your favorite stage of the filmmaking process?

Because our film is a documentary, production was definitely the best part of the filmmaking process. We were able to meet amazing people and do amazing things!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

Because this is my first film, I realized I wanted to make it as it was happening in real time. We really wanted to capture it and continue to spread awareness beyond that single moment in time.

7. What film have you seen the most times in your life?

It might be a tie between Forrest Gump, Princess Bride, and Grease from when I was a child.

8. In a perfect world: Who would you like to work with/collaborate with on a film?

Woody Harrelson

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

For a newbie like me, it has been wonderful. It's very streamlined and easy to use. I've really cut down on research time by having everything in one place.

10. What is your favorite meal?

Today, it's pasta. If you ask me tomorrow, I might say something different. I like variety and it depends on my mood.

11. What is next for you? A new film?

I would love to develop this story into script for a full feature movie or a series in order to reach a bigger audience and to have a more complete story. There are so many things we left out for the sake of money and time.