Gender

Female

Location

San Jose, CA

Filmmakers: What is your primary skill and where do you work most?

Norcal Cinematography, Norcal Directing

My current Project Title:

Tadaima (Coming Home)

I describe myself as a

Content Creator

About me - current project:

My name is Mai Shirai and I am a storyboard artist and character animator from Japan. I decided to bring Tadaima (Coming Home) into production in my last school year originally to thank my family who has been supporting my study in the United States; therefore, the story is a lot influenced by my experiences. Back then when I was in Japan, being an artist was still really competitive and many people were conservative about the career path. I believe most old Asian people are. I also had conflicts between my parents when I decided to study art in university. Yet, after several years studying art in a foreign country, I began to understand why they were so worried. It is because they really care about me and it is really a tough career. 3 years ago, I returned to Japan in Obon holiday and thanked their love and support, but also asked them to believe in me because I have been doing my best. Through my film, Tadaima, I hope I can spread importance of family, forgiveness, and power of art among people who are still conflicting.

Laurels, awards and other accomplishments:

Official Selection in Reality Bytes Independent Student Film Festival, Disorient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon, West Texas Film Festival, and Sacramento International Film Festival.

My home region is:

Bay Area