Private Project

Ramen Symphony

In a bustling ramen restaurant on a chilly winter night in New York City, four disparate stories unfold, connected by the warmth of food and the complexities of human connection.
Alice, a solo traveler from Maine, awkwardly engages with Bill, a weary man in his 50s, as they share laughter and vulnerability over dinner. Meanwhile, Miriam, a restless waitress, navigates the hectic dining room, yearning for a moment of peace amid the chaos. Laura debates career choices with her friend Jane, while a middle-aged couple, Sean and Melissa, confront a critical moment in their relationship.

  • Haruko Fujimoto
    Director
  • Haruko Fujimoto
    Writer
  • Haruko Fujimoto
    Producer
  • Lily Greenwald
    Key Cast
    "Alice"
  • Jon Lonoff
    Key Cast
    "Bill"
  • Sandro Naglia
    Key Cast
    "Sean"
  • Tina Ann Brock
    Key Cast
    "Melissa"
  • Jeniece Brown
    Key Cast
    "Miriam"
  • Kerry Kong
    Key Cast
    "Laura"
  • Celeste Wolf
    Key Cast
    "Jane"
  • Balan
    Key Cast
    "Tim"
  • Christopher Ortiz
    Co-producer
  • Tatia Mazmanian
    Director of Photography
  • Chiaki Yamamoto
    Composer
  • Haruko Fujimoto
    Editor
  • Alexis Jeffryes
    Assistant Director
  • Janathan Haigler
    Sound Mixer
  • Jakub Dejko
    Grip
  • Aaron Rebaza
    Gaffer/Assistant Camera
  • Jacob Altstein
    Assistant Camera
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 9 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    November 13, 2024
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Japan
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Haruko Fujimoto

Originally from Japan, Haruko Fujimoto has made her mark in the film industry with six short films screened in both Japan and the United States. Her recent film, Okusama (2022), received the Best Fiction award at the CUNY Asian American Film Festival in 2023, highlighting her talent and storytelling ability.

In addition to Okusama, her short documentary The (New) Normal (2023) has been recognized as a finalist at the CUNY Film Festival 2024 and selected for the International Filmmaker Festival of New York 2024. Haruko's earlier work, Emily (2021), was an official selection at the New York Lift-Off Film Festival in 2022, while her short narrative Kanpai (2019) received an Honorable Mention at the American Filmatics Arts Awards in 2020.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

"Ramen Symphony" explores two themes close to my heart: urban isolation and the power of human connection. They may seem contradictory, but I believe they are intertwined. Having lived in New York City for years, I’ve witnessed how loneliness can thrive amidst the hustle and bustle, often due to cultural differences, economic divides, or personal struggles.

While technology and social media aim to connect us, they can sometimes deepen our disconnection and we forget to engage with those around us. Yet, I remain hopeful that we can foster genuine connections. By reaching out to those in need of support or companionship, we can cultivate compassion and strengthen our communities. It just takes a bit of courage to open ourselves to one another.