Screenwriter Kitagawa directing first film

[Tokyograph News]

Celebrated screenwriter Eriko Kitagawa is making the leap to filmmaking. She is best known for hit romance dramas such as "Aishiteru to Itte Kure," "Long Vacation," and "Beautiful Life." Now, she has directed one of her own scripts, with the help of director Shunji Iwai ("Hana and Alice") and music producer Takeshi Kobayashi.

Iwai reportedly initiated the project, strongly persuading Kitagawa to take the helm. Iwai is serving as producer along with Kobayashi. This is the first film produced by Kobayashi, who is better recognized as a former member of MY LITTLE LOVER and a producer for popular artists such as Mr.Children.

The youth romance story revolves around two high schoolers, Hiro and Shuu. They are played by Kie Kitano and Masaki Okada, respectively. The supporting cast includes Hiroki Narimiya, Miho Shiraishi, and Takao Osawa.

The film's title in Japanese is "Harufuwei" (??????). When asked about the meaning of the name, Kitagawa simply said, "Just wait until you watch it." The movie was shot over the span of half a month starting in late October of last year. It is expected to be released in spring 2009.

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