Exploring the Cinematic Universe of Ryosuke Handa: A Visionary Filmmaker Rooted in Nature

Ryosuke Handa, an award-winning filmmaker and artist, has established himself as a masterful storyteller whose work bridges the realms of cinema, art, and literature. Born in a small village in Kyoto, Japan, Handa grew up surrounded by the tranquil beauty of nature, a muse that has profoundly shaped his artistic journey. His evocative films, infused with meditative and hypnotic qualities, have captivated audiences worldwide and earned him accolades on the international film festival circuit.

A Childhood Shaped by Nature

Handa’s formative years in Kyoto were steeped in the sensory experiences of the natural world. The sights and sounds of his rural environment — the delicate blossoms of wildflowers, the rhythmic flow of rivers, and the galaxy of stars scattered across the night sky — sparked his imagination and planted the seeds of his storytelling. Without access to a movie theater, Handa’s early cinematic inspirations came from the stories spun by nature itself, which he describes as his “movie theater.” This innate connection to the environment continues to inform his work, imbuing his films with an ethereal quality that mirrors the rhythms of the natural world.

From Artist to Filmmaker

Handa’s artistic journey began in the 1990s with painting and printmaking, disciplines through which he explored the interplay of two-dimensional and three-dimensional expressions. His experimental prints and photography allowed him to delve deeply into the visual language of storytelling. Gradually, his fascination with moving images led him to filmmaking, a medium he describes as having “great potential” to encapsulate his imaginative visions. Influenced by cinematic legends such as Sergei Parajanov, Andrei Tarkovsky, and Kenji Mizoguchi, Handa sought to craft films that resonate on a profound emotional and spiritual level.

A Filmography Rooted in Vision

Handa’s directorial debut, the short film Alicematonika (2012), marked the beginning of his cinematic journey. The film, a 15-minute exploration of imagination and emotion, showcased his ability to create visually arresting narratives.

In 2022, Handa released his first feature film, Forest Island (48 minutes), a meditative exploration of humanity’s relationship with nature. The film garnered widespread acclaim, earning multiple awards for Best Feature and Best Director at international film festivals. The following year, his feature film Passacaglia (64 minutes) solidified his reputation as a visionary filmmaker, winning additional accolades and captivating audiences with its poetic storytelling and visual splendor.

Currently, Handa is directing a new feature film, set to premiere next season. Though details about the project remain under wraps, it promises to continue his tradition of creating deeply introspective and visually stunning works.

Art and Cinema: A Unified Vision

Handa’s artistic pursuits extend beyond filmmaking. Under the pseudonym Ugetsu, he creates paintings, prints, and large folding screens (byōbu), which often appear in his films. These artworks serve as both visual motifs and narrative elements, enriching the cinematic experience by weaving together the mediums of film and fine art. This integration reflects Handa’s belief that films, paintings, and novels share a common inspirational foundation, each offering unique avenues for exploring imagination and emotion.

Philosophical Underpinnings

Handa’s approach to cinema is deeply influenced by philosophical and literary ideas. Drawing inspiration from bio-philosopher Jakob von Uexküll’s concept of “Umwelt” — the unique perceptual world of each organism — he seeks to present visions that transcend human perspectives. Through his films, Handa invites audiences to experience the world through “eyes beyond human” and to connect with the deeper currents of existence.

His literary influences include Vladimir Nabokov, Karel Čapek, Yasunari Kawabata, and Raymond Roussel, whose works inspire his narrative structures and thematic explorations. These influences, combined with his reverence for nature, lend his films a timeless and universal quality.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Cinema

Handa envisions a future for cinema that transcends technological advancements and cultural boundaries. He imagines a “platform, a kind of screen, that swallows them all like a black hole,” where imagination serves as the key to understanding and connection. This vision underscores his belief in the enduring power of storytelling to bridge divides and reveal universal truths.

A Legacy of Inspiration

Ryosuke Handa’s films offer a unique blend of meditative introspection and visual poetry, drawing viewers into worlds where imagination and emotion converge. His ability to fuse the beauty of nature with philosophical depth and artistic innovation has earned him a place among the most promising figures in contemporary independent cinema. As he continues to craft new narratives and explore uncharted artistic territories, Handa’s work stands as a testament to the transformative power of storytelling.