02 — Short Film / 2024
Silent Echo
Client
Independent
Director
James Laurent
DOP
Yuki Tanaka
Duration
18:00
Location
Kyoto, JP
— Overview
A meditative short film exploring grief and memory through the architecture of Japanese temples. Zero dialogue. All story told through light and space.
The Challenge
Create an emotionally resonant 18-minute narrative with no dialogue, no score for the first 8 minutes, and a cast of one.
The Approach
The film's visual grammar was constructed around the concept of 'ma' — the Japanese principle of negative space. Every composition was built around absence.
The Outcome
Official Sundance Selection 2024. BIFA nomination for Best Cinematography. Acquired by MUBI for international distribution.
— Production Stills
