How Two Awarding-Winning Alumni Approach Filmmaking as an Act of Empathy

Soka alumni Michael Sasaki ’05 and Miho Saito ’14 have received international recognition for their short film The Brain That Cried Wolf, which explores mental health, identity, and the fear of death with honesty, humor, and care. Recently named runner up for Best LGBTQIA Short Film at the Hague International Film Festival, the film reflects their shared commitment to brave storytelling that fosters empathy and connection. 

We sat down recently with Sasaki and Saito for a wide-ranging conversation about filmmaking and their journeys as artists. They reflect on how their Soka education continues to shape their creative process, the role of dialogue and trust in navigating difficult subject matter, and what SUA founder Daisaku Ikeda’s call for artists to serve as “architects of peace” means to them as they reach new audiences around the world. They also share advice for students pursuing creative paths, encouraging them to “find your own voice and stand by it no matter what.”