Editor Kenji Yamauchi started at Lost Planet in July 2015 as an Assistant Editor. Yamauchi explains, “I moved to the United States, from São Paulo, all by myself. To be completely honest, I never had the dream to work abroad but when the opportunity at Lost Planet appeared, I jumped on it. It's not easy being alone in a new country and looking back, if anyone had told me how taxes work I'd probably never have come, but I'm glad no one did, so here I am.” Yamauchi's skill in executing emotional storylines is evidenced in his work on campaigns with Google, Samsung, Amex, Budweiser, as well as his work in music videos with artists such as Mumford & Sons.
Tania Mesta's path to editing was not as direct. She explored many roads, from studying French and business in college to working on a home renovation show in Los Angeles, and finally landing as an assistant editor at RPS where her training began. Born of Mexican parents and raised in El Paso, Texas, she is both figuratively and literally from the border, embracing what both cultures bring to her world view and her work. She has edited numerous campaigns with brands such as Calvin Klein, Prada, and Mass Mutual.
Executive Producer Krystn Wagenberg shared, “My experience has taught me that we must continue to seek the latest talent to reap the benefit of new ideas and fresh eyes. Both Kenji and Tania have the fearless edge that will help push the boundaries of emotional and creative storytelling. I am super excited to be involved in taking their careers to the next level.”
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More