Cannes 2024 (Directors’ Fortnight): Desert of Namibia | Interview of Yôko Yamanaka

Self-made director Yôko Yamanaka (27) knows what it’s like to be confused and seeking answers in life, much like her protagonist Kana (Yuumi Kawai) in her latest film Desert of Namibia, featured in the 56th Directors’ Fortnight.

The feature deals with the story of a bipolar young girl trying to make sense of her life. The film, full of energy and captivating performances by Yuumi, makes you reflect on your own life and where one finds balance.

Interestingly, Yamanaka states that this film could represent the many youths in Japan today, who are all searching for their role in life and society. “Many of us find it difficult to live in this normal society, to live properly. But they keep it within themselves. They are closed up. I think I can relate to all of them. There are people like that around me, who would use violence against people close to them, and I’m sure they can relate to everything in the film, but maybe not.”

Yamanaka usually has a personal story to tell, as she did in her earlier film Amiko, but here she feels that there is also an underlying story of the youth’s way of living their lives in general.

When asked about the title, Yamanaka says that she was fascinated by a documentary on a national park in Namibia. “Namibia means ‘there is nothing’ in the words of Namibia. I think that fits this film. It fits with what Kana is going through. Like how she doesn’t care about her friends and lovers around her. But when she watches a video of the desert in Namibia, she feels at ease. That’s how I feel. And the anxiety or feelings are shown again in a scene when she is comfortable talking to a stranger, aka the girl living next door, but not that open when speaking to her boyfriend. These scenarios are plenty in Japan, where strangers make you feel more comfortable than being in familiar places. Thus, playing the video is kind of therapeutic for her. It gives her comfort.”

It may not sound realistic, but we all experience it in our lives. I think I had that in mind when I thought about the title.

Though Yamanaka deals with the concept of finding oneself, she plans to explore the reasons behind it in her next film, which will revolve around a family.

Speaking to Yuumi Kawai, the actress found working with Yoko very enriching. “It was a very rich experience. It was a feeling that I’ve never experienced in a Japanese film. I hope I can make a lot of films in that environment. The process of knowing what kind of person I am is the process of making a film. I want to spend a good day thinking about other people. I think it’s just the process of living and relationship building. And how she realizes that is through films.” Yuumi adds that the director is very passionate about details in the film. “It was a lot of fun. I want to know what she shared with the international audience.”

Our reporters are on the ground in Cannes, France, to bring you exclusive content from the 77th Cannes Film Festival—explore our coverage here.