‘Renoir’ Prodigy Actress Yui Suzuki at Age 11 Wins the Kinema Junpo New Actor Award

The film 〈Renoir〉, opening on April 22, brings everyone’s childhood to mind through the eyes of an 11-year-old girl, “Fuki,” as she learns about the world. In particular, interest in 2013-born actress Yui Suzuki—who portrays the lead role of Fuki and won the Kinema Junpo New Actor Award—is generating strong attention as she emerges as a new treasure of Japanese cinema.

The fate of the first person to audition… Her genius even changed the director’s script

〈Renoir〉 is a six-nation co-production that captures how 11-year-old Fuki grows up during an ordinary summer vacation in 1980. Director Chie Hayakawa, who rose as a next-generation master after receiving a special mention for the Camera d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival,—Camera d’Or held a large-scale audition to find Fuki.

Yui Suzuki was the “first applicant” for this audition. Despite having almost no acting experience, she seized the set with her uniquely bright, free-spirited energy. Director Chie Hayakawa said, “The moment I saw her, I knew instinctively it was fate. I was captivated by Yui Suzuki’s unexpected reactions and actions, so I modified the script to fit her—and I also added her talent for imitating animal sounds that she showed during the audition,” and she spared no praise.

Games and conversation instead of practice… A reality that keeps the child’s point of view intact

To blend the purity that Yui Suzuki brought with her directly into the film, the director and production team chose a special method. They didn’t force her to rehearse lines in a typical way; instead, they let her naturally absorb into the atmosphere by playing games with her fellow actors or talking with them before filming.

Thanks to this directing approach, Yui Suzuki made quite a splash by walking the Cannes Film Festival red carpet in her second year since debut, and she also clinched the Kinema Junpo New Actor Award, the highest honor in Japan—announcing the arrival of a “prodigy actress.” The director said, “The filming period of a little over 40 days was possible because of Yui Suzuki. This film was a blessing to her,” expressing deep gratitude.

Stunning lineup including Lily Franky and Kawaii Yumi… Opening April 22

Director Chie Hayakawa’s meticulous touch meets Yui Suzuki’s vibrant performance in 〈Renoir〉, which is elevated by the presence of Japan’s top acting talents such as Hikari Ishida, Lily Franky, and Yumi Kawai.

A film that gifts everyone—now all grown up—the happy memories of summer vacation is none other than 〈Renoir〉. It opens nationwide at MegaBox and in general theaters on Wednesday, April 22.