Neo Sora

is an American film director and screenwriter. He has directed the documentary feature film Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus and the narrative feature film Happyend (2024).

Early life Sora was born to film composer Ryuichi Sakamoto and Norika Sora, Sakamoto's long-time manager, in New York, New York, and was raised in both New York and Tokyo. Sora graduated from Wesleyan University in Philosophy and Film Studies.

Career Sora is a member of the filmmaking collective Zakkubalan alongside Albert Tholen and Aiko Masubuchi. Sora has directed music videos for Shuta Hasunuma & U-zhaan, BIGYUKI, Rachika S and Biki Zoom, Anthony Naples, Beta Librae, Jason Moran and Dairo Suga.

In 2020, Sora directed the narrative short film The Chicken which had its world premiere at the 73rd Locarno Film Festival. It also screened at the 2020 New York Film Festival and the AFI Fest.

In 2022, Sora directed the narrative short film Sugar Glass Bottle, which premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival.

In 2023, Sora directed the documentary Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus revolving around the last concert performed by his father, Ryuichi Sakamoto, which had its world premiere at the 80th Venice Film Festival. The film was released in March 2024 by Janus Films.

In 2024, Sora wrote and directed Happyend which had its world premiere at the 81st Venice International Film Festival in the Orizzonti section. It also made its North American premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and screened in the Main Slate of the 62nd New York Film Festival. It was previously selected for the 2022 Sundance Institute Screenwriting and Directing labs. In 2025, he was given the 2024 Directors Guild of Japan New Directors Award for Happyend.

In 2025, Sora wrote and directed the short film A Very Straight Neck starring Sakura Ando, having its world premiere at the 78th Locarno Film Festival.

Filmography Short film Year Title Director Writer 2020 The Chicken 2022 Sugar Glass Bottle 2025 A Very Straight Neck

Documentary film Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus (2023)

Feature film Year Title Director Writer 2024 Happyend