Production has been announced for the short film “Burning on Water,” to be jointly developed, written and directed by Deaf director Imai Mika (今井ミカ) and hearing director Fukada Koji (深田晃司), and applications have opened for cast auditions. Filming is scheduled for this autumn, with completion targeted for 2027.
Production has been confirmed for the short film “Burning on Water,” jointly developed, written and directed by Deaf filmmaker Imai Mika (今井ミカ) and hearing filmmaker Fukada Koji (深田晃司). The project is being developed as a collaborative production in which Deaf, hearing and hard-of-hearing actors appear on an equal footing.
The film is a romantic drama that interweaves Japanese Sign Language and Japanese. A second short film and a theatrical feature-length film are also being considered for the future. Auditions for all cast roles are being accepted through a dedicated website. Applicants of all genders in their 20s to 50s are eligible, and applications are open through 31 August.
Directors Imai Mika (今井ミカ) and Fukada Koji (深田晃司) said they intend to draw on their different linguistic backgrounds in Japanese Sign Language and Japanese and incorporate into the film an approach in which Deaf and hearing people engage with one another on an equal footing. Filming is scheduled to begin this autumn, with completion targeted for 2027.