Q&A with filmmaker Lucy Craft

Leading up to our upcoming monthly meeting on ‘A Personal Journey: Japan’s War Brides,’ we’re featuring a Q&A with our speaker, filmmaker Lucy Craft, director of the documentary  ‘Fall Seven Times, Get up Eight.’ The Q&A is modeled on the Proust Questionnaire, designed to reveal insights into the respondent’s personality. Here, Lucy reflects on valuing curiosity, reading books by edgy dames, and ‘staying weird.’

Hear the moving stories of Japanese war brides from this inspiring speaker at our meeting next Thursday, June 8.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Being so utterly engrossed in something, everything else fades away.

What is your greatest fear?

As a true believer in the benefits of constructive self-delusion, I try really hard not to think scary thoughts.

What is your current state of mind?

Trying not to think about the other ten other things I ought to be doing.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Being au courant.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My kids. It’s embarrassing sometimes :).

When and where were you happiest?

Maybe – right now?

Which talent would you most like to have?

Being able to carry a tune. Not diva-level, just decent enough so that when it’s my turn at karaoke, people don’t get up and leave. Is that too much to ask?

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Still working on that one.

What is your most treasured possession?

My parents’ love letters from before they were married. Wouldn’t have recognized them ;(.

What do you most value in your friends?

Curiosity.

Which book do you think is a must-read for women?

Wouldn’t call it essential, but I’m partial to Dorothy Parker. Edgy dames rule.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Anyone who stands up for truth and justice.

What is your motto?

With apologies to Portland and Austin – I guess it would have to be “Stay Weird.”

What does FEW mean to you?

FEW saved my life when I came to Japan back in the 1980s. The only place people didn’t ask why I wasn’t a housewife (!).

When have you have felt most empowered?

Maybe now?  Being a vegetarian foreign-working woman no longer stops traffic. Will have to find other ways to be weird…