Family grief and healing intertwine in Golden Goblet nominee ‘On Summer Sand’

Adapted from the stage play of the same name, the Japanese produced drama portrays a man plunged into profound grief following his son's death.

Abandoned by his wife, he has no choice but to live with his niece, each enduring their own tribulations in life. Nevertheless, as they grapple with their respective sorrows, they uncover tiny sprouts of hope within their hearts which are as parched as the summer sand.

Director and co-writer Shinya Tamada elaborated on the innovations he used to translate the stage play to film. Unlike the stage version that uses the protagonist's living room as the sole setting, the film presents viewers with diverse scenes and visual compositions. 

Tamada explained the rationale behind the presentation and visual set up of these scenes. "The protagonist resides in a traditional Japanese house," he told the audience. 

"While the courtyard is bathed in bright sunlight, the living room and other interior spaces are significantly darker. I endeavored to convey this contrast through deliberate shifts in lighting," he said.

Tamada further noted, "Although the narrative unfolds in summer, it's not depicted as vibrant and sunny. Instead, it's an overcast and muggy season. I hoped to immerse the audience in this specific atmospheric tension."

Lead actor Joe Odagiri also shared insights into his role and the uncle-niece connection in the narrative which takes place in Nagasaki.

"My character experiences immense pain, the loss of his son, abandonment by his wife, and career setbacks. For him, it was a period when time seemed frozen," Odagiri said.

"At this time, his niece came into his life, and the summer spent with her, as well as the interactions with people around him, all brought some positive influences, enabling him to take a new step forward."

Odagiri conveyed his delight at returning to Shanghai after previously filming there for three months, and expressing his admiration for the city.

"Last time I had a wonderful experience in Shanghai, and my impression of it was of a very beautiful city," he said. "This time on returning, I notice it still preserves many traditional architectures and stunning European-style buildings, which makes me eager to capture them with my camera."