Award Nominated Actress

ノミネート女優

Japanese

日本出身

“A VISION BEYOND BORDERS - AN ACTRESS FROM OKAYAMA.

THRIVING IN CANADA: ELINA MIYAKE’S SUCCESS.

NOMINATED FOR BEST ACTRESS AT FILM FESTIVAL: ASPIRING TO INSPIRE HOPE IN CHILDREN.”

Source: https://www.sanyonews.jp/article/1499325

“An actor hailing from Okayama City has garnered attention by being nominated for the Best Actress award at a film festival in Canada. Elina Miyake, 31, embarked on her journey a decade ago with a mere 80,000 yen (approx. $800) in hand, transitioning from a complete novice to a nominee in a prestigious international event. Expressing her singular desire to become an actress abroad, Miyake reflects on the progress of her daily efforts, which are gradually unfolding into a compelling success story.

Last winter, Elina Miyake was nominated for the Best Actress award at the Calgary Independent Film Festival for her role in "Creepy Bits: Soul Sucker". She portrayed a woman under suspicion following the mysterious death of her lover. Her performance, marked by a rich emotional expression, garnered high praise as she convincingly conveyed frustration during police interrogations and depicted moments of weeping. She stated, "I was completely immersed in the sadness and anger that she was feeling."

Miyake has transformed her struggles into strength. She honed her expressive and observational skills through acting workshops attended by Canadian professionals. Initially grappling with understanding instructions in English after her arrival, she learned to interpret intentions from facial expressions and gestures, adapting through imitation.

Overcoming nationality barriers was crucial in securing roles. Due to the regulations of the actors' union, 90% of the cast in commercial films must be Canadian, and union membership requires a track record. Faced with continuous audition rejections, Miyake, fueled by the frustration of not being able to compete on the same level, took on roles primarily in self-produced projects. Two and a half years ago, she gained union membership recognition, expanding her activities to various fields such as films and dramas.

Her passion for films was ignited at the age of 9 when she happened to see Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Terminator 2" on TV. Developing a love for movies, she drew courage from Schwarzenegger and gradually overcame her shyness, transforming into a more outgoing personality.

After graduating from Okayama Asahi High School, Miyake defied opposition from those around her and moved to Osaka to save money for studying abroad. Juggling multiple part-time jobs led to exhaustion and health issues, prompting her to use her savings for medical expenses. This setback became a turning point. Miyake remarked, "I wasted both money and time. Instead of stopping because of such things, I decided to go." In 2012, armed with the remaining 80,000 yen, she embarked on a solo journey to Canada.

Expressing her aspiration, Miyake said, "I want to be an actor who makes people smile and gives hope to children like myself. My goal is to appear on beloved Japanese variety shows and to collaborate with Mr. Schwarzenegger." She envisions a future that includes making a mark through her success in the field even in her home country through this "reverse import." (Translated by ChatGPT)

“With a Meager 80,000 Yen, Actor Pursues Dream in Canada, Overcoming Language and Racial Barriers: Elina Miyake Aims for Collaboration with Schwarzenegger”

TBD