Claude Gagnon

Claude Gagnon (; born 18 December 1949) is a Canadian filmmaker and actor, who frequently works in both Canada and Japan.

Early life A Quebec native, Gagnon first came to Japan in 1970 as photojournalist covering Expo '70 in Osaka. He met his wife, ballerina-turned-filmmaker Yuri Yoshimura, whom he married in 1973.

"My original plan was to spend six months in Japan, and then to go to Indonesia before heading to Europe. I thought I’d do my little trip like everyone else did in those days. But after six months I still didn’t understand a thing. There were very few foreigners living in Japan in those days, and I remember that if you saw a Westerner in Kyoto, you’d crossed the road to say hi and trade phone numbers. It was the era of “Peace and Love”‒‒euphoric and stimulating." the first foreign-born filmmaker to do so.

Filmography

Acting roles

Awards and nominations Hochi Film Awards 1979 Special Award Keiko| Mar del Plata International Film Festival 2006 Best Film (International Competition) Kamataki|

1985 Best Canadian Film Pale Face 1987 Grand Prix des Amériques Kenny|

Grand Prix des Amériques

Prize of the Ecumenical Jury Best Director People's Choice Award FIPRESCI Prize Most Popular Canadian Feature Film

Grand Prix des Amériques

Most Popular Canadian Feature Film Openness to the World Award Paris Film Festival 1988 Special Jury Prize Kenny|

2013 Best Screenplay Karakara 2022 Public Prize Old Buddies| Tokyo International Film Festival 1991 Grand Prix The Pianist''