Hi, my name is Wil Franz and I'm a documentarian currently attending SCAD as a film major.

I’m a senior student at the Savannah College of Art and Design, and for the past 4 years, I’ve developed my skills as a Filmmaker through all different types of departments. I’ve led teams on countless different film sets, either with students, studios, musicians, or companies. I’ve honed my skills in the camera department as a DP and 1st AC.

With everything that I’ve learned, I’d like to take a big step and introduce myself and my new documentary, “Nanmoku: A Village Worth Awakening.”

As a documentarian, my goal is to capture the personal and intimate stories and moments in people's lives. I aim to shed light on unique accounts of these personal experiences and leave people with a profound understanding of the individuals that are featured.

Japan has had a decrease in population in its rural villages. This has led to an increase in abandoned homes, economic struggle, and labor shortages within these communities. With record lows in new births and record highs in people over the age of 100, life is dwindling rapidly.

Nanmoku being a top example of it.

This village has a rich history in rural living. Sitting along a river in a valley with beautiful mountains on both sides, this once thriving community, through agriculture and silk farming, has dwindled because of the competition from cheap imports. Now, the village is centered around small services and small-scale agriculture to make due.

With a median age of 68 and 67% of its population being over 65, it's the oldest village by age in Japan.

In this documentary, we showcase the heart and soul of this small village and what it all has to offer. Through small businesses and the residents of the village, we see the charm in each story.

We are here to shine a light on the beauty of this village and how the community can come together to persevere through the challenges they’ve been facing.

With the help of my crew, we will be heading to Japan to further explore our research and tell the stories of the ones that reside in this peaceful village, Nanmoku.

Funds will be allocated to the Pie Chart listed on our Instagram! @nanmokudoc