Just a guy is an animated short documentary about the relationships that three women establish with Richard Ramirez aka The Night Stalker, a serial killer and rapist whom they contacted after being convicted in the 1980s. The relationship - of affection and attraction - that they established with Richard is related in first person, accompanied by a review of the letters that they exchanged.

Mixing real images and animation, the short captures the experiences and emotions of the three women, leaving room for doubt and discomfort. From an honest and raw perspective, the animated faces of the three protagonists soften the atrocious but possible reality of the love they feel for a murderer and serial rapist. What were the letters that were sent like? What did Richard say to them and what did they reply?

Shoko Hara is born in Okayama / Japan. At the age of ten, her family moves to Lake Constance in Germany. In 2012, she obtains her Bachelor of Arts in Media Design at the DHBW Ravensburg. Her graduation film „Abita” receives much critical acclaim and is screened at festivals around the world. With her emphasis on analogue and experimental works in graphic design and art, Shoko Hara moves on to study Motion Design at the Filmakademie Baden-Wuerttemberg between 2012 and 2016. Her diploma project, the animated short film „What they believe“ was awarded as the best student film in Animafest Zagreb 2016. Shoko Hara is currently teaching Motion Graphics at the at the DHBW Ravensburg and works as Freelance Motion Designer and Animation Director for commercials spots and music videos.