Hikari | Writer, Director

Hikari | Writer, Director

Hikari’s Breakthrough project is her debute feature ’37 Seconds’, which tells the story of Yuma, a 23-year-old comic book artist who is physically disabled due to profound cerebral palsy and emotionally stunted by her well-meaning but overly protective mother. Yuma forges her own unusual path to sexual awakening and independence while at the same time discovering love and forgiveness.

Entertainment has always been a part of Hikari's life. Born in Osaka, Japan, as a child she participated in gymnastics and group chorus, singing in musicals and in operas all over the country. Her fascination with film began while watching old Hollywood films on television. After watching a video of The Mamas and the Papas' “California Dreamin'” featuring palm trees on a beach she knew she wanted to see those trees for herself and decided to attend high school as an exchange student in America - even though it wasn't in California. Since landing her first job in the entertainment industry as a dancer in a commercial, Hikari has written and directed seven shorts on her path to creating '37 Seconds', 

As a BAFTA Breakthrough, Hikari hopes to use this amazing opportunity to connect with industry professionals and get their advice on her short and full-length film projects. She also wants to share her wisdom to the film community in Japan and other Asian communities, to encourage asian filmmakers to bring their stories to the world.