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SHIMON MACHIDA

DIRECTOR

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A director who blends humour, experimental flair, and emotional resonance into each narrative he crafts.

You Don't Need A Hero

When coverage is this good, even superheroes might be out of a job. 

 

CLIENT

Square One Insurance Services

Don't be that guy

Square One Insurance

Director, DP, Editor

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Toilet troubles 

Square One Insurance

Director, DP, Editor

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Over 25 shoot days in scorching summer heat, I saw a community of tradespeople and designers giving their time out of pure compassion to reimagine a space of healing for a family facing unimaginable loss.

This four-part miniseries unveils the story of how an almost impossible first-floor reno came together in under three months--a project that began three years ago today and stands as my most heartfelt directorial endeavour to date.

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A promising young actress strives for applause, but her dream soon turns into nightmarish reality.

Official Selection at Switzerland International Film Festival and

The National Film Festival for Talented Youth 2018

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About this human

Shimon’s work oscillates between absurdity and sincerity, embracing eccentric humour, experimental form, and emotional weight that lingers. Shaped by his Japanese and Pakistani heritage and a childhood in Vancouver, his vision carries a rare depth. His short films have screened at international festivals including the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (the world’s largest youth film festival) and have won awards at local festivals, recognized for their distinctive perspective and innovative narrative approach.

At 16, Shimon was hired as a photographer, videographer, and editor for a gallery run by renowned photographers Yukiko Onley and Peter Eastwood, two influential figures who saw in him a passionate young director with a sharp creative eye and remarkable work ethic. Immersed in a world of sculpture, dance, and painting, he developed an intuitive understanding of how different artistic forms speak to each other. 


By 22, Shimon was taken under the wing of filmmaker and musician Rashad Haughton in Tokyo, who was struck by the quality of his work and his nuanced instincts as both a cinematographer and music composer. Under Rashad’s mentorship, Shimon co-developed television series concepts, composed and produced original music, and directed music videos.


With each project, regardless of production scale, Shimon focuses on fostering creative environments where collaborators flourish. With a clear communication and a precise vision, he elevates every voice while steering the whole team with intention. This alchemy of empathy and ambition is what allows him to bring forth immersive, gripping stories that are both unforgeable and deeply felt. 

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Contact

Let's make something.

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