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Koji Fukada’s Nagi Notes Debuts in Cannes Competition as Director Cautions Against AI Shortcuts in Art

Early reviews highlight a quiet, art‑driven drama that could draw U.S. buyers.

Overview

  • Fukada, speaking Thursday at the Cannes Film Festival, warned that using AI to skip creative steps can strip art of self‑expression and understanding.
  • Nagi Notes is playing in Cannes’ main competition for the Palme d’Or, marking Fukada’s first selection in the festival’s top lineup.
  • The story follows a Tokyo architect who visits her former sister‑in‑law in the rural town of Nagi, where sculpting sessions anchor a reflection on identity and belonging.
  • Critics describe a restrained, closely observed film set against distant shocks like military drills and news from the war in Ukraine, with a tender subplot about two local boys exploring their feelings.
  • Festival reviews from outlets including IndieWire, Variety, TheWrap, and SCMP note thoughtful performances and evocative art‑making scenes, as the film seeks U.S. distribution.