Nabeatsu directs feature film

Comedian Sekai no Nabeatsu (40) is directing his first full-length film, scheduled for release this autumn. He is also headlining the cast, making this his first starring movie role.

Nabeatsu is actually collaborating with popular commercial director Daisuke Shibata, though he does has previous directorial experience on his own. In 2007, he created the short film “Tetsu to Ikite” as part of a project by Yoshimoto Kogyo. This time, Nabeatsu came up with the original idea (he also has experience as a television writer), leading to his involvement as a director.

The movie, titled “Saraba Itoshi no Daitouryou,” involves Nabeatsu getting elected as prefectural governor of Osaka. He then declares independence, becoming President of the newly established United States of Osaka. However, the Osaka police receive news of an impending assassination attempt against the new president.

Filming already took place between October and December of last year. Confident of its entertainment factor, Nabeatsu called it the “most popcorn-and-cola movie” in Japanese history.

Comedians Daisuke Miyagawa (37) and Kendo Kobayashi (37) co-star as two police detectives protecting the president, while actresses Kazue Fukiishi (27) and Yumiko Shaku (31) play a newscaster and the president’s secretary, respectively. The rest of the supporting cast includes Ren Osugi (58), Gin Maeda (66), Toru Nakamura (44), Hiroyuki Miyasako (39), and Junichi Komoto (39).

Source:
Sankei Sports