The Story Behind the Lens
A journey from narrative cinema to framing love as a global standard of visual art.
Study, Narrative Cinema & Cannes
I don’t just watch movies, I am in love with the art of making them. From the beginning, I’ve been captivated by how a director can piece together light, composition, and sound to make an audience truly feel something. This fascination led me to study film formally, diving deep into the technical craft and the rules of visual storytelling.
Before focusing on documenting real-world love stories, I honed my skills in the world of narrative cinema. I directed short films that traveled the festival circuit, culminating in a defining achievement when my work won the prestigious Prix Du Jury (Jury Prize) at the Cannes Film Festival Entr'2 Marches in 2017. That experience solidified my approach to the camera: every frame must serve a purpose, and every story deserves a global standard of excellence.
What is Kinodai?
Today, that passion lives on through Kinodai Films. The name itself is a reflection of my identity and my dedication to the craft: a blend of three languages representing Kin (Gold in Japanese), Kino (Cinema in German), and my own name, Odai (meaning Warrior). Together, it stands for Golden Cinema, a commitment to creating films of the highest standard.
For me, romance has always been the ultimate genre. There is nothing more powerful than telling the story of two people in love. Based in Southern California and traveling wherever a good story takes me, I approach every film as a director framing a cinematic piece of art.
Honest Moments. Cinematic Scale.
I don’t do traditional, cookie-cutter wedding videos, rigid posing, or forced smiles. Your love story isn't a production line, it’s a living, breathing narrative. Romance has always been my favorite genre in cinema, and my goal is to translate the genuine emotion of your relationship into a high-end, timeless film.
Observed, Not Manufactured
The most beautiful parts of your day happen entirely unprompted: the quiet tears, the explosive laughter, the fleeting glances. My style is rooted in capturing emotions exactly as they unfold. I want you to be entirely yourselves while I handle the art of recording it. If I need to step in for an editorial portrait, I’ll guide you naturally, but my primary goal is to let your day belong to you.
The Calm in the Room
On your wedding day, you don't need a high-stress director. I act as a quiet, deliberate observer in the background, allowing the day to breathe naturally so I can capture the true heartbeat of the moments that matter most.
Creative Synergy
Filmmaking is a collaborative art. I love working with other creatives, especially your photographer. Before the cameras even roll, I connect and communicate with them so we are completely aligned. By establishing a seamless partnership early on, I ensure we respect each other's space, never cross lines, and work in total harmony for you.
How I Build Your Film
From initial narrative scoping to custom color grading, every detail is crafted with cinematic intention.
Story-Driven Collections
While every collection is built on a practical foundation of coverage hours, the goal is never just to watch the clock. I structure my offerings as Film Collections because every hour on-site is utilized through the lens of a cinematographer, discovering the narrative threads, character dynamics, and quiet emotional beats that give a film its soul.
Scripted Storytelling
For couples who want to elevate their film beyond traditional documentary coverage, I can create a dedicated narrative short film before the wedding day. We collaborate on a concept, shoot in a controlled, beautifully lit cinematic environment, and create a personalized heirloom film to play at your reception or keep as a private diary.
A Love for Cinema
Grounded in formal film study and narrative direction, I utilize premium tools and intentional color grading to give your film a timeless, editorial scale. The result is a piece of genuine cinema you will want to rewatch for the rest of your lives.
Let Us Tell Your Story
We take a select number of stories each year to dedicate our full creative devotion to each couple. Let's record the quiet glances and beautiful pacing of your celebration.