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An Award-Winning Film by Yujiro Seki
Co-presented by the Buddhist Temple of Alameda
“Carving the Divine” is a beautifully made documentary film that offers a rare look into the art of busshi, a 1400-year-old Buddhist woodcarving tradition, and the practitioners struggling to preserve its legacy in a rapidly changing Japan.
“‘Carving the Divine’ is more than a movie about amazing wood sculptors of Japan. To me, the movie is about the Master-Apprentice, or the Master-Disciple relationship, and how this is still being transmitted in the traditional manner…..stern, but yet ultimately kind, in training the apprentice to be a true artist in both skill and spirit.” — Rev. Marvin Harada, Bishop, Buddhist Churches of America
“Artworks depicting buddhas and bodhisattvas are wordless teachings. In their facial expressions and gestures, we can see what we’re aiming for in our lives and practice—be it compassion, equanimity, meditative focus, or even wise anger. But who are the people who create these contemplative artworks? In ‘Carving the Divine’, a new, award-winning documentary, we meet some of these artists. Specifically, we’re offered a rare and intimate look at the lives and artistic process of traditional Japanese wood carvers” — Andrea Miller, Lion’s Roar
Event Schedule:
1:00pm: Doors open – Concessions & Drink for purchase in K Gallery
1:30pm: Theater Opens
2:00pm: Welcome and Intro by Reverend Joshin Dennis Fujimoto, Buddhist Temple of Alameda
2:15pm: Film Screening (Duration 1hr and 37min)
4:00 – 4:30pm: Zoom Q & A with Director, Yujiro Seki
Film Details
Produced, Written and Directed by Yujiro Seki
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
Print Info: Color, DCP, 99 mins, United States, Japan, 2020
Featuring: Kourin Saito, Koun Seki, Koukei Konno, Koumei Yamada
Creative Team
Yujiro Seki
Award-winning Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Subtitle Translator, Writer, and Producer
Anthony Capitan
Story and Subtitle Editor
Nicholas Pike
Emmy Award-winning Hollywood Composer
Jonathan Miller
Hollywood Sound Editor, best known for his work on “Independence Day” and “Trainspotting” as well as his longtime collaboration with the late Michael Jackson.