intro

Bakemono (Japanese for 'Monster') is a zero-dialogue narrative drama that follows a man with seemingly everything attempting to retrieve his greatest loss - his son.

Self-funded up until this stage and with production complete, we're turning to you to help finish this super 16mm passion project. Inspired by the director's relationship with his own father, Bakemono stars only Asian actors performing in non-racially specific roles - an unfortunate rarity.

Live recorded score, hard-of-hearing subtitles translated into 15+ languages and audio description are just some of the things we are incorporating into this project.

director's statement

Love is everything.

Love can be seen in our passions, hobbies, aspirations, friendships and more – the foundation of all my ideas. They all explore the concept of love, forging new, familiar narratives every time.

This film is a visual embodiment of an unreleased song about my father, a summary of my feelings and emotions whilst also exploring his potential remorse upon abandoning his family. The want to love and the want to be loved.

Much like my debut 'Moments', this film features no dialogue. There is no language barrier, no lack of comprehension due to beliefs, background or culture. It’s a canvas. 

Moments (2019) - Dir: Tristan Nelson

As someone who considers themselves from an under-represented, low-socioeconomic background, I’ve felt the separation in the industry. If a narrative can call for someone who isn’t “White British”, why shouldn’t it? 'Bakemono' takes one of the most under-represented groups in this industry and gives them a presence that doesn’t fall on tired, racial stereotypes. 

Something that shouldn’t be, but is rare.

There are shots with little movement. Shots that linger on the character a little longer, encapsulating their emotions, their discomfort, their sadness. Nuances that can be perceived metaphorically. Symbolic imagery that elaborates the scenario.

To hone in on the characters, the film is shot with an 1.66:1 aspect ratio, Super 16mm. Neither us, nor they can escape the narrow perspective. 

'Bakemono' screams imperfection. Human connection. Yearning. Something only the aforementioned can achieve. The only 'real' method that can show the imperfections of us all.

cast

Eiji Mihara as The Man

Eiji is a Japanese actor, currently based in London, UK. Hailing from both NHK in Tokyo & Denise Noël acting school in Paris, Eiji has worked with directors such as Sam Mendes, Ron Howard, Peter Brook & Yukio Ninagawa. Eiji can be seen in Spectre, Rush, Giri/Haji and most recently the Finnish series, The Man Who Died

crew

Writer/Director/Producer - Tristan Nelson

Tristan is primarily a director from Bedford, UK. Favouring experience over education, he managed to secure work in various departments on projects for companies such as Netflix, Disney, Universal & Lucasfilm. In 2018, Tristan set about focussing on creating his own projects, releasing his debut short film 'Moments' in 2019 and multiple music releases in 20/21 under the pseudonym, 'Three Day Monk'.

Producer - Gavin Spoors

Gavin is a writer and producer currently living in South London. With an MA in Moving Image and Sound and experience in running his own production company, Gavin is focused on telling stories and empowering others to do so, too! He works as a journalistic writer, covering films and games and is developing projects as a screenwriter and games writer.

Cinematographer - Lorène Desportes

Lorène is an emerging cinematographer from Paris, France. She studied Fine Art and Film in London where she now lives and works. She finds motivation in honest storytelling that requires straightforward but powerful visual solutions. Lorène was nominated at the BSC Short Film Awards 2020 for her work on 'Jahannam'. 

Sound Designer - Liam Cameron

Liam is best known as a sound editor and dubbing mixer, specialising in children's animation, documentaries and commercials. Liam has worked across a range of successful series, including; 'The Amazing World of Gumball', 'Emoji Town', 'Fireman Sam' and Netflix's 'My Little Pony'. He has also sound edited and mixed a number of award-winning documentaries and commercials for the likes of KIA, and Ballantine's Whisky.

inspirations

budget breakdown

timeline

September 22 - October 22

Crowdfunding campaign

November 22

Recording the score in the studio, including the mix

Sound Design

Audio Description

Physical pledges being created

December 22

Sound Design (finalising)

Hard of Hearing Subtitles

Colour Grade

Physical pledges shipped

January 2023

Film complete

Early+ screening & Q&A takes place

February - March 2023

Delivery of remaining pledges

Begin submitting to film festivals

Mid - Late 2023

General public/online release