"Okaeri" the Master Thesis

The project submitted as the writer and director's final thesis for the Master's Degree in Screenwriting at the International University of Valencia was approved with an outstanding grade. Below, the asbtrat of the paper.

Abstrat

This Master's Thesis delves deeply into the cinematic genre of based-on-true-events films. It analyzes the different nature, tools, and approaches used in crafting screenplays aimed to capture the essence of historical events and real-life experiences, in order to create a model that serves as a guide for the development of an original cinematic project within the same genre.

The first part of the work involves a thorough theoretical research, ranging from the definition of cinema to the identification of key tools and forms used by screenwriters and filmmakers to transform real events into captivating cinematic narratives. This theoretical foundation lays the groundwork for the practical part of the study.

The practical part materializes in the development of an original cinematic project titled "Okaeri: The Spy of the Rising Sun", inspired by historically true events and experiences of the Nikkei community in Peru during World War II. Throughout this phase, the theoretical tools and approaches previously researched are applied, ensuring that the resulting story is coherent, engaging, and above all, respectful of the fundamental truth sought to be portrayed on screen.

Ultimately, this work aims to contribute to the understanding and application of based-on-true-events cinema as a powerful tool for cinematic and documentary expression. It provides a comprehensive view of the creative and technical processes involved in writing screenplays based on real events and demonstrates its potential to educate, inspire, and move audiences. The exploration of the past through cinema offers an ideal opportunity to reflect about the present we find ourselves in and the future that lies ahead.

Key words: film - based on true events - screenwriting - Nikkei history