Merry Xmas (film)

Merry Xmas is a 2014 Japanese-Belgian drama film directed by Naomi Kawase. The film stars Hideo Sakaki, Naomi Kawase, and Ivan Franek. It explores themes of cultural exchange, communication, and the impact of personal experiences on artistic creation. The storyline involves a Japanese filmmaker, played by Kawase herself, who travels to the Ardennes region of Belgium to shoot a film. She encounters various individuals, including a hunter (Sakaki) and a wanderer (Franek), and the interactions and relationships that develop become central to the narrative. The film blends documentary and fiction elements, reflecting Kawase's signature style of incorporating personal reflection and observation into her work. Merry Xmas was screened in the Directors' Fortnight section at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival.