PRESS RELEASE
Australia's Bus Stop Films has been selected by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to present the world premiere of the film Chasing the Sun at the Australia Pavilion during World Expo 2025 Osaka on Tuesday, September 23rd at 11:00am.
Chasing the Sun is an inclusively made cross-cultural Australia-Japan collaboration between Australia's Bus Stop Films, Japan Down Syndrome Society and Special Beauty Japan, produced with support from the Australia-Japan Foundation of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade'. The short film celebrates relationships and community, exploring the strong ties that connect Australia and Japan through the lens of inclusive filmmaking.
Shot on location in Perth, Western Australia, and Tokyo, Japan, the story was developed with input from the Down syndrome community in both countries. The film stars Kimie Tsukakoshi as Mari, Adam Rapanaro as DJ, and Saki Mineo as Saki, bringing authentic voices and experiences to the screen. The film was directed by Japanese/Australian creatives, with director Tak Nakano and written by author Alli Parker. This is Kimie's third production with Bus Stop Films. Earlier this year she appeared in Meat and Livestock Australia's viral Australia Day Lamb ad and is currently starring in the stage play “Congratulations, Get Rich!”. Chasing the Sun is Adam’s first film project.
The selection of Bus Stop Films, a female, disability-led, not-for-profit social enterprise, to present the film in Osaka reflects the significant impact of its work as global leaders in inclusive filmmaking.
Since launching in 2009, Bus Stop Films has established itself as a creative leader in inclusive filmmaking. The organisation uses filmmaking and the film industry to raise the profile of people living with disabilities and other marginalised groups, both behind and in front of the camera, through skill building, content creation, advocacy and employment.
Through their Accessible Filmmaking Program, Bus Stop Films has produced over 140 short films and supported thousands of workplace opportunities for people with disability through their Bus Stop Employment service. The end credits of the film included the sketch work of Bailey Deering from the Program’s Perth class who worked on the project together with workshop mates Joseph Teakle, Luke Cronstedt and Caleb Lyons.
Bus Stop’s CEO Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM said the partnership with DFAT and screening at Expo represent significant recognition of Bus Stop Films' role in reshaping the Australian screen industry.
"This selection validates our commitment to inclusive storytelling and demonstrates how Australian cinema is leading the way in authentic representation," said Corbin-Matchett.
"Taking our work to World Expo 2025 Osaka allows us to share our inclusive practice with a global audience while showcasing the innovation and diversity of the Australian screen industry. Filming Chasing the Sun has been a personal and professional highlight, and I can’t wait to see it celebrated in Japan and around the world."
Director Tak Nakano says, “With Chasing the Sun, I wanted to tell a playful Japanese-Australian story that gently blends discovery, identity and food. It's my antidote to the endless scroll of buzzy, 'rah-rah' social media content. Our story is more like a tasty, meditative udon slurp - rich in texture, full of feeling - and it all unfolds in the atmospheric Aussie bushland. Itadakimasu!
“When Tracey offered me the opportunity, I had no hesitation. My gut instinct said "go" and I followed it. The Chasing the Sun journey has been a thrilling ride. Working with Bus Stop Films to promote inclusive filmmaking has been an absolute honour. Collaborating with so many high-calibre artists, both in front of and behind the camera, has been nothing short of inspiring.”
The world premiere will feature a special presentation of Chasing the Sun alongside a collection of Bus Stop Films' most beloved award-winning short films that celebrate Australia’s diverse deaf, disabled and neurodivergent community. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with cast and crew from both Australia and Japan.
Attending the premiere will be Executive Producer Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM, Producer Dianna La Grassa, and Bus Stop Films’ Chairman Peter Tonagh, traveling alongside cast members Adam Rapanaro and Kimie Tsukakoshi, and Director Tak Nakano. From the Japan team will be Jason Hancock, Mito Chan and Saki Mineo.
While in Japan, Bus Stop Films will also host an industry event in partnership with UN Women’s Unstereotype Alliance Japan Chapter in Tokyo, as part of Bus Stop’s involvement with the Australian Chapter.
Creative Team:
- Executive Producer: Tracey Corbin-Matchett OAM
- Producer: Dianna La Grassa
- Writer: Alli Parker
- Director: Tak Nakano
- Director of Photography: Mikey Hamer
- Composer: Scott Majidi
- Tokyo Producer: Jason Hancock
- Tokyo Coordinator: Mito Chan
- Tokyo DOP: Yana-san