SHOTA KAMITANI



『The show ends twice』



2023



The Show
Ends
Twice



Directed by Shota Kamitani



Story



The story takes place in a small circus in the wood. Scott, who has dreamed of circus success since childhood, struggles as an unsuccessful violinist. When he's ultimately dismissed by the ringmaster, Scott faces a crucial choice: continue pursuing his dream or accept defeat. Among interactions with the people of the small circus his deceased girlfriend who became a ghost, a senior clown chasing dreams, the ringmaster, a circus star, and disillusioned dancers, he confronts realities long ignored, unraveling the true essence of his dreams amid the enchantment and challenges of circus life.



Character



Scott (27)

Born into a circus family, with his father being a cowboy performer and his mother a violinist, both of whom were stars in the circus world. Due to his weak health since childhood, Scott inherited his mother's act and became a violinist. He dreams of becoming a star in the circus like his parents, but Scott's act lacks popularity, and he only gets stage time through the kindness of the ringmaster.



Grace (27)

Adopted at a young age, Grace earned a living through street performances until she was scouted by a circus recruiter and joined the circus. However, with the arrival of talented performers like Natalie and Alicia, she lost her dance act and started practicing tightrope walking as a new act. Unfortunately, she fell to her death in an accident. Unable to let go of her attachment to the show due to her sudden death, she has become a ghost.



Norman (38)

Born into a poor family, he studied hard and became a newspaper journalist. However, he couldn't forget a circus show he saw once in childhood and joined as a clown. While living apart from his wife and their son, he continues to chase his dream in the circus.


Natalie (31)

Dreamed of Broadway in her childhood and diligently practiced, but she had to give up on that dream due to an injury. While she is a highly popular dancer in the circus, she is not satisfied with her current situation.


Alicia (26)

Born into a prestigious ballet family but disowned due to lack of talent, she found her way to the circus. As a dancer, she aims for a promotion to other places alongside Natalie.


Ringmaster/Nathan (40)

A former horse show performer, now the ringmaster of a small circus troupe. He struggles with chronic financial difficulties in the circus and tries to distract himself from the dissatisfaction by drinking.


Ryan(24)

Born into a family of entertainers, he was trained in performance since childhood. He is getting popular as an action performer in the show and earning high expectations from the ringmaster.



Setting



The Beach

A sandy beach located a few minutes' walk from the circus venue. Scott and Grace used to visit often after their practices.


Entrance Square

Located in front of the entrance to the circus venue, the square is used as a practice area for performers who don't require large props, including the characters in this story.


Ringmaster's Trailer

The ringmaster's living space. It contains personal items from his horse show days, decorations bought during regional tours, and his favorite alcoholic beverages.


Back Gate

The back gate of the circus. It's used by Scott and the ghost Grace, when they want to avoid being seen.


Stage

The main stage of the circus, with a wine-red curtain that catches the eye. It can accommodate around 50 spectators.


Newspaper

Office Norman's former workplace and Scott's employer. It's a local paper based in New York.



Background



This work was created as a graduation project for a one-year film production school. When creating a work that marks a milestone, I considered two things. First, to challenge myself to make the film I truly wanted to create, and second, to make a work that is appropriate for this timing.


Regarding the first point, I decided to create a fantasy film set in a circus, a genre I had loved since childhood. As for the second point, I thought about how the timing of graduating from school is a moment of decision for many students, whether to continue pursuing a career in film or to choose a stable job. Thus, I decided to make "dreams and reality" the central theme of the story.



With the setting and story theme decided, I began writing the script. From the belief that once a work is created, it never truly ends as long as it remains in the memory of those who experienced it, even after its screening and the retirement of its creator, the title "The Show Ends Twice" was born. This title signifies the two endings: one at the conclusion of the performance and another when its memory fades from the audience's mind.


Recreating the West Coast of America in the 1970s in Japan in 2023 was extremely challenging. Through carefully selected filming locations, meticulously designed props and decorations, camera work that thoroughly avoided showing modern buildings, color grading and sound editing that captured the atmosphere of the era, and a script in English with a multinational cast, the world of "The Show Ends Twice" was brought to life.



Cast & Crew



Scott ・・・Pedro Marinho

Grace ・・・Axol

Norman ・・・Yuichi Fukuda

Natalie ・・・Kamilla Asamura

Alicia ・・・Cheryl Ng

Ryan ・・・Yoo Shin K.

Ringmaster ・・・Popo D'Jango


Cinematographer ・・・Yuma-Ayalguu Muraki

Assistant Directors・・・Suzuka Sakaino​

Assistant Directors・・・Shintaro Yoshida
Assistant Directors・・・Hiyori Mitsumori

Lighting Designers・・・Jinei Sato

Lighting Designers・・・Itaru Nomoto

Sound Designers・・・ Ittoku Tanaka

Sound Designers・・・Ryo Wakui


Director/Editor/Screenplay・・・Shota Kamitani



Awards



Awarded or selected

at over 18 film festivals in over 8 countries.



Direct Monthly Online Film Festival 2023

Short Student Fiction Films - Winner


Golden Lion International Film Festival 2024

Best Fantastic Short Film - Winner


Brazil New Visions Film Fest 2023

Best Student Short Film - Nominated

Best Art Director - Nominated

Best Costume - Nominated


Post-Cinema Film Festival 2024

Best Short Film - Nominated


Prestige Film Festival 2024

Best Student Film- Honorable Mention


CLIMAX 2024
Festival Internacional de Cinema Independiente

Best Student Film - Semi Finalist ​


etc.



Shota Kamitani



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