Back in May we had learned that Ryusuke Hamaguchi was revisiting with a feature film project that would bring us to Paris and it looks like we can now pencil this in as his next feature. titled Our Apprenticeship, with producer Teruhisa Yamamoto steering it, according to World of Reel, production we are currently in pre-production mode on what could be a L’Auberge espagnole type film of young adults with an international language twist. Don’t be surprised if casting announcements are made during EFM for pre-sales. Here is the logline and plus long synopsis:
Once an idol, a Japanese girl studies abroad at a theatre school in Paris where she gains new values and energy for her future through meeting people from different backgrounds.
Naomi must escape her reputation as an idol when her relationship with a popular actor is revealed. She decides to leave Japan and study abroad at a French drama school, staying at the home of a French teacher, Beatrice. At the school, she became friends with Pierre and Jean, a French gay couple, Tahim from Syria, Marry from Belgium, and a South Korean actress, Soni. The group of friends adopts one policy: “To speak in their own languages.” They learn each other’s languages and different values as their bonds get tighter. One day, however, Pierre and Jean fight when Jean asks Naomi on a date. Tahim also makes his move on Naomi, and Marry gets hurt since she is in love with Tahim. Naomi feels as if she has broken their relationships and decides to go back to Japan. The day Naomi leaves, Beatrice consoles her gently. At the airport, only Soni comes to see her off. Naomi says to Soni, “I always liked you, but was scared to tell you.” Soni holds Naomi’s hands and says, “Sorry to make you say that, I like you very much, too.” They both smile, hug, and the film ends.
