FRGMT Presents Its First Sneaker-Focused Short Film

As a long-time gaming enthusiast and film aficionado, I must say that the collaboration between Hiroshi Fujiwara and Hirokazu Kore-eda on the short film, the oFFERING (SPIRIDON), is nothing short of extraordinary. Being a gamer for as long as I can remember, I’ve always been fascinated by how various forms of media intersect and influence one another, and this project beautifully showcases that synergy.

Hiroshi Fujiwara, often referred to as the “Godfather of Streetwear” in Japan, has embarked on a fresh endeavor under the FRGMT brand. This pioneer has created his inaugural short film about sneakers, titled “the oFFERING (SPIRIDON)“. This movie is a collaborative effort between renowned Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda and emerging talent Milena Kaneako. The film’s style, storyline, and editing are heavily influenced by Kore-eda’s critically acclaimed psychological mystery thriller, “Monster“. The movie captures a tender, nostalgic, and youthful atmosphere revolving around a pair of Air Zoom Spiridon. Fujiwara’s energetic electronic soundtrack and deep cultural roots serve to weave the story together seamlessly.

In the context of the short movie, Hiroshi Fujiwara expresses his thoughts: “Traditionally, sneakers are associated with sports and casual wear. However, I believe it’s worth exploring an alternative perspective – merging them seamlessly into our daily routines. I hope this film manages to convey a hint of that unique blend, even just a little bit.

Fujiwara recollects the early stages of his projects, emphasizing that it stemmed from a video concept he’d conceived. “The genesis of this captivating short film wouldn’t have transpired without Yamada Kenji, my film producer friend, being involved at the outset,” Fujiwara remarks. “This was my first encounter with a real film set. I had the opportunity to witness the entire process from the sidelines, and despite its brevity, it was an engaging and enjoyable experience,” he recounts, highlighting that it was nothing like the chaos he’d anticipated but rather a serene and absorbing atmosphere similar to sitting in a movie theater. “There were instances on set where it seemed as though time had paused. It felt surreal, with emotions subtly permeating everywhere,” he continues, adding, “It was like stepping into a dream.

For director Hirokazu Kore-eda, his emotions and ideas about this project are deeply rooted in nostalgia. He recalls, “I can still vividly remember the thrill I felt on the day I traded my old sports shoes for a pair of lace-up sneakers. That was undeniably the day when I felt I was taking a step towards adulthood.” He expresses great pride in the finished product, describing it as “a beautiful film that evokes memories of those cherished shoes we all possess.

Milena Kaneko mentions that she’s generally quite reserved and introverted, but during this project, she made a conscious effort to openly share her emotions, whether they were feelings of excitement or a deep connection with the theme. Furthermore, she expressed that she was grateful for the support she received while filming, and if this film could resonate with someone’s heart, it would bring her immense joy.

At the debut, Fujiwara collaborated with TopMob Japan to share the short film ahead of time through their official platforms. Take a look at the video in the gallery provided above.

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