Pompo the Cinephile is a Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Shogo Sugitani. The series revolves around the eponymous protagonist, Pompo, a young girl who runs a movie production company called Pompo Films in Nyallywood, the movie capital of the world. Pompo is a master of many aspects of movie production, including writing, directing, casting, acting, and more. She is often called upon to rescue troubled movie productions or help make dreams come true for aspiring filmmakers.
The story begins when Pompo's assistant Gene discovers Pompo's latest script and becomes enamored with its story. Gene has always had a deep love for movies, and he feels that this script has the potential to become a masterpiece. However, Pompo, sensing something special about Gene, tells him that he should direct the film himself if he wants to see it made. This is a turning point in Gene's life, as he has always been content to work behind the scenes.
As Gene begins work on the movie, Pompo hires a new production assistant, Natalie, who dreams of becoming an actress. Natalie is initially mentored by Pompo but later becomes involved in Gene's movie as one of the lead roles. The film production goes smoothly until one of the main cast members falls ill, and they must find a replacement at the last minute. This is when Natalie gets her big break and becomes the new lead actress.
The movie becomes a hit, and Natalie becomes a rising star in Nyallywood. However, as her fame grows, she realizes that she is not satisfied with just being an actress. She wants to be like Pompo and become a filmmaker in her own right. In the end, Natalie decides to follow in Pompo's footsteps and starts her own production company, with Gene as her first director. Pompo is proud of them both and continues to mentor them as they make their way in the world of filmmaking.
Pompo the Cinephile is a love letter to the art of movie-making. It celebrates the passion, hard work, and creativity that goes into creating a successful film. The series is filled with references to classic movies and movie tropes, making it a delight for film buffs. The characters are well-drawn and relatable, and the plot is engaging and heartwarming. Overall, Pompo the Cinephile is a must-read for anyone who loves movies or wants to learn more about the filmmaking process.
