Myles Matsuno's work as a filmmaker is a profound exploration of human existence, encompassing both the joys and sorrows of life. His unique approach to storytelling, deeply rooted in personal experience and a commitment to authenticity, transforms everyday moments into compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences. Through his lens, Matsuno not only captures images but also preserves history and memory, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
Matsuno's journey into filmmaking began in childhood, influenced by his father's constant documentation of family life and his professional work in visual storytelling. This early exposure fostered a natural inclination towards the camera and an acute sensitivity to human behavior and narrative. His distinctive vérité style, characterized by handheld shots and intimate framing, allows him to capture raw, unfiltered reality. This approach, combined with the profound impact of music and personal life events, shapes his creative vision and enables him to convey stories with remarkable emotional depth and immediacy.
The Genesis of a Filmmaker's Vision and Style
Myles Matsuno's deep connection to filmmaking originated in his formative years, long before he pursued it as a profession. Growing up, a camera was a constant presence in his home, diligently recording family events like sports, birthdays, and holidays. This immersive environment, where life was continuously documented, taught him to observe and interpret moments, human interactions, and non-verbal cues. His father, a professional in film and television design, further nurtured this budding interest by involving him in analyzing shots and discussing narrative decisions for major productions. This blend of hands-on practice and formal exposure laid the groundwork for Matsuno's distinctive storytelling approach, emphasizing both technical skill and emotional resonance in his work.
Matsuno's cinematic style is intrinsically linked to his unique perspective, leaning heavily into vérité filmmaking. This method prioritizes capturing life's spontaneous and authentic moments over meticulously planned scenes. He frequently employs handheld techniques and favors medium to close-up shots, allowing for an intimate connection with his subjects while maintaining a naturalistic feel. This intuitive and present approach to filming is not merely a technical choice but a core aspect of his mastery. Music also plays a pivotal role in his creative process, often serving as the initial spark for his narratives. His life experiences, particularly becoming a father, have profoundly reshaped his artistic lens, guiding his choice of stories and his empathetic engagement with the communities and individuals he documents.
The Immersive Experience of Capturing Moments and Preserving Legacies
For Myles Matsuno, the pinnacle of image capture is achieved through a state of complete immersion, where the technical aspects of filmmaking fade into the background, leaving only a profound connection between perception, intuition, and timing. These rare yet powerful moments of "flow" transform filmmaking into a meditative, lived experience. He describes feeling a deep unity with the unfolding events, whether in photography or cinematography, often forgetting the act of recording itself, even in hazardous situations. This philosophy of patience, keen observation, and genuine connection to his subjects is central to his work, ensuring that authenticity is never compromised. This commitment is particularly evident in his coverage of the Eaton Fire, one of California's most devastating wildfires, where his presence captured the raw intensity and profound impact of the disaster.
Among Matsuno's most poignant endeavors is his family documentary, "First to Go: Story of the Kataoka Family." This project required extensive research, including digitizing old home videos, conducting interviews with relatives, and visiting historical sites to reconstruct a deeply personal and historically significant narrative. This painstaking process, which involved obtaining blessings from descendants of other historical filmmakers to use archival footage, underscores his dedication to preserving memory. Matsuno's work extends beyond his family, as seen in his documentaries on the Lee family and Fair Oaks Burger, showcasing his commitment to chronicling stories of resilience and hope. His filmmaking serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling to connect, inspire, and create a visual legacy that honors human experience and community spirit.