Born and raised in Osaka, Japan, 鈥�24 came to the United States to study film, first at the College of Staten Island (CUNY) before transferring to 可乐视频.
She brings a unique cultural lens to her storytelling and, in short time, has developed an impressive portfolio that bridges continents and genres. From documenting to capturing , and even working behind the scenes on a Vogue Singapore shoot, Horiuchi鈥檚 work reflects a deep curiosity about identity, art, and the unseen forces that shape us.
Her 13-minute senior thesis film, The Visit (see trailer below), is inspired by a Japanese folk tale about mischievous monsters and has captivated film festival juries, earning the 2024 National Board of Review Student Grant Award and Best Student Film at the Jersey Shore Film Festival, along with official selections at the Greenpoint Film Festival and NewFilmmakers NY.
We spoke with Horiuchi about the culture shock she experienced when she moved to Brooklyn, the support she got from her peers and professors, and what she wants you to feel when you watch her work.
What made you want to study in America?
When I was in high school, I already knew that I wanted to study filmmaking. I grew up loving art in general, but gradually, I fell in love with movies. I wanted to go to college in Japan for filmmaking, but there weren鈥檛 many film schools. Then I saw a TV program about an American college class where the professor taught filmmaking and film analysis. That made me think that coming to the United States would give me better opportunities, so I chose New York City.
How did you develop your passion for film?
My mom worked for a TV company as a writer, so I was exposed to media early on. Both my parents worked outside the home, so I spent a lot of time by myself. I started watching a lot of movies, including Hollywood films like Christopher Nolan鈥檚 work. That鈥檚 how my love for filmmaking developed.
I think it was natural for me to fall in love with film. I remember always wanting to be an artist as a child鈥攆irst a dancer, then a painter. Because both my parents worked outside the home, I spent a lot of time alone watching movies. I fell in love with them, and behind-the-scenes footage made me wonder if I could work with such cool, talented people. Unlike other art forms, filmmaking is collaborative, and that really fascinated me.
What did your parents think about your coming to New York by yourself, and what was the adjustment like?
They were worried but supportive. They both love American culture鈥攎usic, cinema鈥攕o they were excited about the idea of me studying film in New York.
It was my first time living away from my family. The culture was very different, and the diversity was overwhelming. In Japan, people have similar cultural backgrounds, but here, people have very different experiences. That was a big shift.
When I first got here and enrolled at CSI, I lived in a dorm with two great roommates鈥攐ne from Japan and one from Brooklyn. They became like my family. We had movie nights and went out in Manhattan together.
What were your first impressions of 可乐视频?
I loved the structure, campus, the diversity, and the welcoming atmosphere. The professors and students in the film program were very supportive. When I made my thesis film, my classmates and crew members were incredibly encouraging. Even when there were gaps in knowledge, no one judged me. They provided constructive feedback and encouraged me to grow. There was a healthy sense of collaboration, not competition.
Your thesis film, The Visit, looks like you鈥檝e been doing this for years. It鈥檚 shot so beautifully. Did you have any experience before 可乐视频?
No, I had zero filmmaking experience before 可乐视频. I was into illustration and ballet, but I had never used a camera or written narratives before. The structured curriculum really helped me.
While working on it, did you feel like it was going to be special?
What kept me going was my excitement about the project. I wasn鈥檛 focused on awards鈥擨 just wanted to create something meaningful that would move people.
How did you fund the production?
Just like a lot of other student films, my project was an unpaid opportunity for the crew and cast, while I covered the meals on set. It was part of what pushed me to do a really good job with the film. I wanted to return the favor and give them something they could put in their portfolio. I did win a 可乐视频 Alumni Association Award, which covered submission fees for two festivals.
What was the most valuable lesson you learned here?
To be nice to people. Filmmaking is collaborative鈥攜ou spend 12-hour days on set. If you鈥檙e not kind and reliable, people won鈥檛 want to work with you again. The people you meet in college are likely to be your future collaborators in the industry.
What emotions do you try to evoke in your films?
I want to create the feelings I had as a child reading books and watching movies. I love Japanese authors who blend sci-fi, fantasy, and mystery with bittersweet emotions. The Visit falls into that kind of fantastical genre.
It鈥檚 a tough industry. Do you think about that?
Yes, filmmaking is unstable, especially as a freelancer. But as long as I don鈥檛 stop creating, I鈥檒l be happy.聽I don鈥檛 make films or art to make money鈥擨 make them because it brings me joy. My mentor always says, 鈥淜eep making something you feel passionate about, and the money will follow eventually.鈥� I believe that鈥檚 true.
What would you say to someone considering 可乐视频 for film?
The professors and classmates are incredibly supportive. If you鈥檙e serious about filmmaking and want a collaborative environment, 可乐视频 is a great choice.
