Running Time: 85 Minutes
Starring: Estevan Muñoz, Ui Mihara, Katsunari Nakagawa, Larry Fessenden, Lloyd Kaufman
Following a heartfelt and unique work in Visitors (Complete Edition), Kenichi Ugana returns with another charming film that arrives with a more upfront title. With a name like I Fell in Love with a Z-Grade Director in Brooklyn, you can have a decent idea what the film is about.
The film opens with two people both working in the film industry, whose differing experiences has left them with opposing feelings about their career. Popular actress Shina Mizuhara (Ui Mihara) has been pampered since she was little, achieving success that has left her jaded and lost sight of what she found fun. Meanwhile, Jack (Estevan Muñoz) is far from a success story. Growing up with a complicated family left him with two loves to best express himself; punk rock music, and horror movies. He may not have reached his opportunity yet, but he is determined to share with others his passion about what gives him purpose in life.
With her passion for filmmaking faded away, Shina takes a trip to New York City with her boyfriend. It is during this holiday that an honest conversation is shared, as their hollow relationship falls apart thanks to her falling status. Storming off, Shina finds herself lost and alone without her wallet, her phone, and unable to speak English. Her paths cross with Jack, who is scrambling to find a lead actress for the film he is shooting the following day. Enchanted by Shina, he offers to help her if she stars in his film.
Across the short runtime, Ugana fills his film with a clear enthusiasm for independent horror cinema. Free from the constraints of big-budget filmmaking, the pair are free to persevere on a scrappy film set, refusing to let a language barrier stop them from helping each other. Their shared time on this underground feature leaves Jack ecstatic to be fulfilling his dream of making a film, and Shina rediscovering her love for filmmaking.
This makes for a fascinating setting of a zany romcom, driven by a charming romance between such likeable characters. Feelings grow between the duo as they find happiness in each other's company, something noticeable when they visit New York locations together, with Shina far happier than her earlier visit. Whether it is Muñoz's infectious charm, or Mihara's rising joy at the scenario, the pair have tremendous chemistry that will leave you rooting for the characters.
As the shoot draws to a close, community spirit drives the team as they resort to DIY methods to complete their film together. It all results in a heartwarming and lovely feature that further highlights why Kenichi Ugana is an independent creative worth following. I Fell in Love with a Z-Grade Director in Brooklyn is a passionate labour of love that feels drawn from personal underground experiences.
I Fell in Love with a Z-Grade Director in Brooklyn made its World Premiere at Fantasia Festival 2025
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