Less Is Moritsugu

For anyone who has ever wanted to make an

, for lovers of

or for those who think a film sequence set amid

sounds cool, A Day with 

 might just be the go-to event of the year.---

The faculty of the Moving Image Arts Department at the Santa Fe University of Art and Design pulls back the veil to examine the product and process of underground filmmaker and musician Moritsugu.

The filmmaker joins his wife Amy Davis and independent film distributor Tetsuki Ijichi to discuss

Later, Moving Arts Department faculty member and fellow underground filmmaker Anthony Buchanan joins in a

with Moritsugu, and several of Moritsugu’s early short films are screened. A screening of Moritsugu’s

 follows, along with a

afterward. These events give attendees practical insight into the method behind Moritsugu's madness. 

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1965, Moritsugu now lives and works in Santa Fe. He released his

in 1986 and his

in 1990.

Moritsugu has directed

. He is the recipient of three best feature awards at the

for

(1994),

(1997) and

(2002).

The director credits indie music as a major influence on his early career in film. 

“I definitely noticed, in the indie music scene in the '80s, that those musicians who weren’t getting one of the major record deals were just getting out there and doing it on their own,” Moritsugu tells SFR.

Moritsugu’s films mix driving punk rock soundtracks with poorly constructed set pieces and intentionally cartoonish acting. He often uses

to enhance the lo-fi effect, and does much of the editing himself.

His films combine themes such as alienation, teenage angst and the evils of commercial success for low-budget cultural satires.

“They just sort of push your buttons,

,” Moritsugu says. “I think my films are absolutely funny and they’re artsy at the same time.”

When asked if he has a favorite among his films, Moritsugu says he is still most proud of

. 

“It’s also the film where

and I were falling in love on the set. It’s like you’re making a cake and you’ve made it a thousand times, and that one time it comes out perfect,” Moritsugu says.

What’s next for the DIY filmmaker? 

, 

, with director and frequent collaborator

.

While he is reluctant to talk about the project, because it is still in production, Moritsugu does say, “We’re also making a documentary about the making of the film, it’s kind of like

and

."

Find out how it's all done Wednesday, in this one-of-a-kind event.

Santa Fe Reporter