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About me:

I am a writer-director whose work spans both film and commercial festivals, driven by a desire to blur the lines between reality and imagination and create cinematic experiences that resonate on an emotional level.

 

From 2013 to 2019, I led the TV division at M&C Saatchi, where I honed my craft in large‑scale productions and international campaigns. With more than two decades of experience across Asian markets, I have had the privilege of collaborating with talents such as Cindy Crawford, Nicole Kidman, Karlie Kloss, Alessandra Ambrosio, Manny Pacquiao, Maggie Cheung, Gao Yuanyuan, Yang Mi, Zhou Xun, Zhang Ziyi, Dilraba Dilmurat, Hu Ge, Lay Zhang YiXing, and many others. These collaborations have shaped my approach to directing, emphasizing authenticity, rhythm, and emotional truth.

 

My client portfolio includes global and regional leaders such as American Standard, ANTA Sports, Ballantine’s, BYTON, Castrol, Cetaphil, Chow Tai Fook, Clé de Peau Beauté, Coach, Dove, Estée Lauder, FILORGA, Lancôme, Lenovo, Magnum, Microsoft, Panasonic, Piaget, Platinum Guild International, Shiseido, Sony, UNIQLO, and more. Each project has been an opportunity to merge artistry with strategy, ensuring that every story connects meaningfully with its audience.

 

In 2020, in pursuit of telling stories on my own terms, I founded 38pro Film Ltd., a company dedicated to weaving compelling narratives and bringing bold visual ideas to life. My recent creative projects have been recognized internationally:
 

Short Film: Metempsychosis, recipient of 32 awards at international film festivals worldwide.

 

Long‑Short Film: Melodies of the Abyss, honored with 21 awards & 13 nominations at international film festivals worldwide, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Thriller, Best Production Design, Best Makeup, Best Editing, and Best Original Screenplay.

 

Feature Screenplay: Breaking Free, recipient of the Platinum Remi Award at the 56th Annual WorldFest‑Houston International Film Festival (2023).

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Awards & Achievements

Iwata Sam's works have been recognized and honored at prestigious events, including:

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WorldFest Houston (Canadian Screen Awards Qualifying) 

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IMDb Qualifying Film Festivals - BERLIN Indie Film Festival; BERLIN Kiez Berlin Film Festival; BERLIN Shorts Award; DALLAS Shorts Film Festival; DUBAI Indie Film Festival; Hong Kong Indie Film Festival; LOS ANGELES Hollywood Gold Awards; LOS ANGELES Independent Shorts Awards; LOS ANGELES Indie Short Fest; LOS ANGELES Indie X Film Fest; MADRID Snow Leopard Film Festival; MANHATTAN SHORT Film Festival; MIAMI Only The Best Award; MOSCOW Russia International Film Festival; NEW YORK International Film Awards; NEW YORK Oniros Film Awards; OTTAWA Phoenix Shorts; PARIS International Short Festival; PARIS Cinema Awards; PARIS EdiPlay International Film Festival; ROME International Movie Awards; ROME Sweet Democracy Film Awards; ROME Fox International Film Festival; SANTA BARBARA International Movie Awards; SHOCKFEST Film Festival, SINGAPORE World Film Carnival; World Film Festival in CANNES; STOCKHOLM City Film Festival; SYDNEY LIFT-OFF Film Festival; THRILLER/SUSPENSE Festival; TORONTO Indie Filmmakers Festival; TOKYO International Film Festival; UTRECHT Indie Movie Spark International Film Festival; VEGAS Movie Awards VIENNA Indie Short Film Festival and more

 

TV Commercial Festivals - CHINA ROI TV Commercial Festival;  LONDON International Awards

Let us dive into a world where imagination knows no bounds

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© 2024 by Iwata Sam. All Rights Reserved.

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