One of the most famous directors in the world of Pink Films and now a popular mainstream director in Japan, Takahisa Zeze, is credited with starting the Pink ‘Nouvelle Vague’ movement back in the 1990s.
Born in the Oita prefecture in 1960, Takahisa Zeze graduated from the prestigious Kyoto University and went on to shoot his highly praised debut feature, “Kagai Jugyo – Boukou (The Extracurricular Lesson – The Rape).” Not long after his filmmaking debut, Takahisa Zeze, joined the legendary Shishi Production (aka. Mukai Productions), which was run by the legendary Pink Filmmaker Kan Mukai. It’s here that Takahisa worked as an assistant director to Hisayasu Sato, who is also credited with the rise of the Pink ‘Nouvelle Vague’ movement.
Takahisa Zeze’s debut Pink Film “Kagai Jugyo – Boukou (The Extracurricular Lesson – The Rape)” was released in 1989. From that point on he shot numerous Pink Films many of which garnered local and international praise. He is regarded critically as one of the directors responsible for generating international interest in the Pink Film genre. In both 1995 and again in 2002, his films were invited to screen at the prestigious Rotterdam International Film Festival. From these screenings he was invited to a slew of other film festivals, which only heightened his popularity.
Starting in the late 1990s, Takahisa Zeze began making non-Pink Films—including mainstream productions. His most recent film “Pandemic” was a huge box office smash in Japan leading to its international distribution and planned release in over 20 foreign territories. In perhaps the biggest sign of success, there are already plans for a Hollywood remake.
For more information, a fantastic and thorough English language interview visit Midnighteye.com
Awards:
• Munich International Film Festival, Official Selection (2005)
• Rotterdam International Film Festival, Official Selection (1995 & 2002)
• Frankfurt International Film Festival, Official Selection (2002)
• Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival, Official Selection (2002)
• Pink Eiga Film Festival, Siver Prize (1999)
• Goteborg International Film Festival, Official Selection (1998)
• Vienna International Film Festival, Offcial Selection (1995)
• Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, Official Selection (1995)
Filmography:
• Pandemic (2009) • A Gap in the Skin (2005) • Secret Journey (2004) • Moon Child (2003) • SF Whip Cream (2001) • Tokyo X Erotica (2001) • Anarchy in Japan Suke (1999) • Raigyo (1997) • Upcoming Scenery (1996) • Endless Sex (1995)
