World-renowned model and actress Tao Okamoto, who has appeared in Paris Fashion Week and other events under the name "TAO," attended the Japan premiere of the film "Suddenly Feeling Unwell" (directed by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, opening June 19) in Tokyo on May 27. Okamoto, who is currently pregnant, appeared with a visibly pregnant belly and spoke about her feelings after winning the Best Actress award at the 79th Cannes International Film Festival.
Okamoto said with deep emotion, "I am so happy that we can have the premiere screening in Japan of a film that I poured my heart and soul into shooting. Standing here today is a very moving experience," and shared her joy with Belgian actress Virginie Efira, who shared the Best Actress award with her.
Okamoto spoke of her joy at becoming the first Japanese person to win the Best Actress award, saying, "I still can't quite believe it, and I'm sure I'll never really feel it, but I've received so many congratulatory messages, and although it's on a different scale, it feels like I've won a medal at the Olympics. I'm so touched that everyone has told me they've been energized and happy for me."
Virginie Efira, Kyōzō Nagatsuka, Kodai Kurosaki, and director Ryūsuke Hamaguchi also attended the event.
The story of "Suddenly Falling Ill" is set in Paris, France. Marie-Lou Fontaine, the director of the suburban nursing home "The Garden of Liberty," is troubled by staff shortages and a lack of understanding from her staff when she meets a Japanese director named Mari Morisaki. The two begin to interact, but one day Mari "suddenly falls ill." As Mari's illness progresses, their relationship deepens dramatically, and they begin to connect on a deeper level...
