2021 - Stealing Murakami - SHERIDAN BFTV CORE 1 DOCS

Welcome to
Stealing Murakami

A Sheridan College Short Film

A poetic, investigative documentary uncovering the details behind Haruki Murakami’s stolen works in bookstores across Toronto.

ABOUT

Since 2016, several thefts have plagued Toronto used bookstores, specifically going after the works of famed Japanese author Haruki Murakami. Stealing Murakami begins with an investigative approach on the ongoing thefts in Toronto bookstores, yet quickly abandons this angle, emulating a common theme of Murakami’s, that finding something which has been missing often leads to disappointment. Stealing Murakami then dives into the abstract and experimental, seeking to understand the allure of Murakami’s work amongst the youth, while mirroring his trademark magical realist writing style through a visual medium.

BEHIND THE SCENES

WHO IS HARUKI MURAKAMI?

Haruki Murakami, born January 12, 1949 in Kyoto, Japan, is an acclaimed author known for his best-selling novels, essays, and short stories. His works have been translated into 50 languages selling millions of copies worldwide. He's known for writing in the genres of magical realism, postmodernism, and Bildungsroman.

Murakami novels in chronological order.

A GOOD READ - Toronto, ON

"A Good Read is one the best places in the city to find rare books, with particular emphasis placed on first and signed editions. Opened in fall of 2007 on Roncesvalles Avenue in Parkdale , its sophisticated decor matches the focus on more expensive books."
- Derek Flack, BlogTO

A Good Read Site

MEET THE TEAM

CO-DIRECTOR/PRODUCER - ASA KAZERANI
Hi! My name is Asa (pronounced uh-sa) and I'm a book lover. As a recent Murakami fan I was surprised to learn about his stolen works across used bookstores in Toronto. I'm excited to uncover this and learn more about his works and how people relate to it.

CO-DIRECTOR/PICTURE EDITOR - MICHAELA AGUIRRE
Hey! My name is Michaela and for this doc I’ll be taking on the role of co-directing alongside Asa, as well as picture editing. As a new Murakami fan, I’m excited to get the opportunity to learn more about his works while also gaining valuable experience!

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - SARAH BERNIER
I’m super excited to be the DOP on this project! I have been practicing my skills within the camera and lighting department for a while now and am looking forward to making a contribution, in allowing this story to come to life visually. I think it’s going to be very special!

PRODUCTION SOUND MIXER/SUPERVISING SOUND EDITOR - ELLIOT BEER
Hi, my name's Elliot! I'm working on the sound recording and editing for Stealing Murakami. I'm so excited to see where this project goes, and can't wait to share what we create with everyone!

TRANSMEDIA PRODUCER - LAURA KING
I'm so excited to be part of this amazing team and go on this investigative journey through the works of Murakami!

COMPOSER - NATHAN CORR

Nathan Corr is a composer, bandleader, and guitarist in Toronto, Ontario. He has 25 combined years of musical training and performance experience under his belt, including studying at Carleton University under jazz guitarists Tim Bedner and Roddy Ellias and most recently at Sheridan's Music Scoring for Screen and Stage program. Nathan is a well-rounded composer, but his early JRPG influences such as Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy X inform his love for simple, catchy melodies underscored by rich harmony and a solid groove. You can catch some of his original works in his jazz fusion band, the Molten Corrtet.

BTS CAMERA/SOUND - VANESSA SOLIVIO
Hi I'm Vanessa! I'm in charge of BTS Camera for Stealing Murakami. I love reading and whodunit mysteries. I'm so excited to be a part of this doc and get my Sherlock on!

1st AC - ALICIA MOK
Helloo this is Alicia, and I put the A & C in 1st AC

ASSISTANT PICTURE & SOUND EDITOR
I’m doing assistant sound and picture editing for Stealing Murakami and I’m a fan Murakami since high school, After Dark was first Murakami I read, really loved it!

COMPOSER - JUAN PABLO DE LA MORA

Juan Pablo De La Mora is a dynamic vocalist, songwriter, composer for film, TV, and Video Games, and music educator. Born and raised in Mexico City and schooled extensively in the United States, Juan Pablo offers an eclectic and rich musical experience influenced by Jazz, Boleros, Salsa, Pop, and Rock. Currently based in Toronto, Canada, Juan Pablo is a regular live performer, melding his broad stylish background with his versatile and soaring tenor voice along with his upcoming career as a media composer. He graduated with honors from Los Angeles College of Music as a modern vocal performer and continued his education at the University of North Texas where he received a Vocal Jazz performance degree. He es currently aPending the Sheridan post graduate program Music Scoring for Screen and Stage and already gaining momentum towards new musical horizons.