Japanese movie director Naomi Kawase in new film competition at Cannes

"Hanezu" -- one of 20 contenders for the coveted Palme d'Or to be awarded by jury president Robert De Niro on Sunday -- tells the story of a love triangle in the mountainous Asuka region, seen as the birthplace of the Japanese nation.

"Humanity thought it could dominate everything. The tsunami was seen as absolute evil, but it's merely a natural phenomenon. Other elements in nature can give you a sense of security. We have to protect the place we live in.

"After the earthquake, I became aware of the fragile beauty of the earth."

Earthquake shaped work of Japanese Cannes contender