It was revealed on August 5th that comedian Yuriyan Retriever will be making her debut as a film director, and the title of her debut work will be "Magamaga Onna (Woman of Misfortune)." It is scheduled for release in 2026. A trailer and teaser visuals have also been unveiled.
The project began in 2021 when the producer of this film, Daisuke Takahashi, contacted Yuriyan after seeing her mention on a TV program that she wanted to try her hand at film direction. Yuriyan's debut as a film director was suddenly announced in Cannes during the 77th Cannes Film Festival in 2024, causing a stir.
Regarding her first time directing, director Yuriyan wrote, "This film is based on my true love. If only the people I've loved had looked back at me, I wouldn't have been able to make Maka Maka Onna. Thank you! For rejecting me!!! Thank you!!!!!! Please do check out my directorial debut!! Please!" in a handwritten message, some of which she has blacked out.
The 30-second trailer that has been released shows the mouth of a woman with bright red lipstick and the words "Magamaga Onna" (magamaga woman), with a blonde woman and girls in uniforms whispering "Magamaga Onna" all together, giving the video a somewhat eerie feel.
In a scene where the questions "What kind of film is it?" and "Who is the director?" are asked in English, a woman with bright red lipstick answers "A love story," and the camera pulls back to reveal director Yuriyan's seductive and confident expression. The video ends with a scene of Yuriyan shouting "Ready, set, go!" on the actual set of "Maka Maka Onna."
The teaser visual features a smiling Yuriyan with the words "Next up is film director!" in large letters, as if to announce her debut as a film director, a new challenge for Yuriyan, who is active in many fields including as a comedian, actor, rapper, voice actor, and radio personality.
The film has also been officially selected for the 13th Beyond Fest film festival to be held in Los Angeles in September, where it will have its world premiere. Evrim Ersoy, head of film selection, commented, "'Woman of the Night' is truly an incredible discovery. It's the kind of film that film festival programmers always hope to encounter. This film, which beautifully combines both horror and eccentricity, will shock and announce the brilliant debut of a new talent who has appeared in the film industry. I am truly proud that BeyondFest will be able to introduce this film before the rest of the world."
Director Yuriyan commented with a laugh, "I am truly honored and humbled that the film will be screened at the film festival, and that my first film festival will be in LA. It feels like my waistline is tightening."
Director Yuriyan and producer Takahashi's comments regarding this film are as follows:
◇Comment from Director Yuriyan Retriever
I've always loved movies and have always dreamed of entering the world of film. I'm extremely happy, grateful, and honored to have been able to complete my first film as a director. Thank you. I hope to be able to show a new world to those who know me as a comedian, and for those who will be getting to know me in the future, I hope you enjoy the film!
This movie is based on my true love story. If it weren't for all the men who have rejected me up until now, this movie wouldn't exist. Thank you so much! I'm so glad!!! Thank you for rejecting me!!! I want to go to Hollywood! Thank you very much! Please check it out!
◇ Comment from Daisuke Takahashi, producer of the film company "K2 Pictures"
The genius Yuriyan Retriever's creative sensibilities finally explode in the new realm of expression that is film direction.
Yuriyan has distilled the "dangerousness" that glimpses into herself to a terrifying degree, and has fully utilized her special humor honed as a comedian and her sometimes poignant powers of human observation to elevate it into a new form of entertainment. Romance, horror, laughter... As a producer, I am truly happy to have been able to witness the moment when this powerful blow, which crosses an endless number of genres that don't usually intersect, is unleashed upon the world. Please come to the theater and experience the mysterious fun that emanates from Yuriyan! Anyway, I can't wait for many people to see it! Please look forward to the film "Makamaka Woman."
*The "taka" in Takahashi Daisuke's name is pronounced as "ladder."
