Marrakech, Morocco — 56-year old Japanese filmmaker Shinya Tsukamoto has directed several landmark films in the fantastic film genre, including the “Tetsuo” trilogy: “Bullet Ballet,” “A Snake of June,” and “Kotoko.”

He has also starred in many of his own films and those of his close friends and colleagues. A lifetime admirer of Martin Scorsese – ever since he saw “Taxi Driver” while still at school – Tsukamoto says that Scorsese influenced both his filmmaking style, in terms of the way that he has shot certain scenes, such as those involving boxing or handling weapons, and also his interest in flawed anti-heroes – inspired first and foremost by De Niro’s portrayal of Travis Bickle.

Therefore when he learned that Scorsese was planning to shoot “Silence” about Jesuits and native Christians in 17th century Japan, he contacted the casting director, thus paving the way to a meeting between the two directors and the casting...