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Covering “My Invincible Compass” Symposium at Loft9, Shibuya

Close-up black and white headshot of a smiling young woman - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos

Seeing Tomoya and Matt happy and healthy after so many months of being on lockdown was a breath of fresh air. Matt Miller and KEEN’s journey with raising awareness of the mirco affects the March 11th earthquake disaster had on Tohoku children since I first photographed for Mirai no Mori 3 years ago.

As with many people, Matt, the director and filmmaker of his documentary My Invincible Compass, organized his symposium with fewer audience members, seated in socially distanced-chairs with their temperatures checked and hands sanitized. Though Loft9 couldn’t pack their theater of 50 to even 100 people, the safer 20 people event kept fears and concerns at bay.

Guests and Panelists all sit spaced apart from one another at My Invincible Compass Symposium.

Fighting for My Invincible Compass’ Future

The symposium was not only to talk about the film but to ask discuss how marginalized children in Japan are coping with the affect of the COVID-19 pandemic and how communities can help them. Take a look at some of the highlights from Tomoya, Matt and Sahel Rosa, the narrator of the film.

Tomoya, Sahel Rosa, and Matt Miller
Fielding questions about My Invincible Compass
Tomoya smiling to the media audience
Closeup shot of a man in a black shirt talking in mic with the people at a symposium of a movie - Tokyo Portrait Photographer
Matt Miller explaining his journey of making the film.
A woman in a white dress on the stage talking with the people at the Symposium of a movie - Tokyo Portrait Photographer
Sahel Rosa discussing the importance of spreading awareness about marginalized children in Japan
A man in a shirt and a short on the stage talking with the people at the Symposium of a movie - Tokyo Portrait Photographer
Matt Miller answering questions from the audience
A young woman in white dress on the stage talking with the audience at the Symposium of a movie - Tokyo Portrait Photographer
Sahel Rosa discussing her role with the project.
Headshot of a man speaking with audience at the Symposium for My Invincible Compass Movie - Tokyo Portrait Photographer
Tomoya talking with the emcee.
Headshot of a man speaking politely in a mic with the audience at the Symposium for a movie - Tokyo Portrait Photographer
Tomoya sharing an interesting story.
A man in a white shirt and face mask talking to others in a mic - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Photographer in Tokyo
Media teams asking the panel their questions.
People on the stage talking with the audience at the Symposium for My Invincible Compass Movie - Tokyo Portrait Photographer
A thin and socially distanced media audience.
KEEN, Matt Miller, My Invincible Compass Movie
KEEN, Matt Miller, My Invincible Compass Movie, Sympossium

The Invincible Film is currently in post-production and is still raising funds to complete the film, now complicated by the pandemic. Matt and KEEN are still determined to see their years-long journey. The hope is strong in being able to present My Invincible Compass soon.

To learn more about Tomoya, Matt and My Invincible Compass, take a look at their Facebook Page and website. You can also donate by clicking here.

We hope to see Matt and everyone who has fought so hard for this project again in the new 2021 year.

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Close-up black and white headshot of a smiling young woman - Tokyo Portrait Photographer, Headshot photos

Award-winning Tokyo portrait photographer Tia Haygood builds genuine connections with each client to understand their unique needs. She empowers those who may feel camera-shy, helping them see themselves in a fresh and confident light. With a mission to guide clients of all ages, body types, and ethnicities, Tia provides expert coaching in posing, expression, and styling to create transformative portraits that reveal their best selves.

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