The master - Bisshin Jyumonji
Sho Kataoka & festival director Seigo Tono
So here we are again, the festival begins today and once again we're off to a great start. The 1st program was the International Program A which features 7 short films from around the world; Mexico, Australia, Switzerland, & the UK among them. The stories ranged from heart-warming to ecological to office romance to neighborhood kids kicking a soccer ball around. Renee Webster of the Australian short titled "Edgar & Elizabeth" will be joining the us soon to take part in Q & A sessions later on in the festival. Stay tuned.
The Stop! Global Warming program featured an appearance by Sho Kataoka who brought "28 degrees" to the festival. In the Q & A session he told the audience that the short took him about 10 days in all to complete & the 6 minute short cost about $800. Now THAT'S using your time & budget to great effect!
The 3rd program of the day was VERY special in that as a special invitation screening, we were able to invite celebrated photographer Bisshin Jyumonji who brought his short film "Sakura." The short was made using the brand new Canon EOS 5D MARK II, digital single lens reflex camera. It's a camera that takes moving pictures and the film is an ABSOLUTELY stunning visual feast. i was privileged to host a quick talk show with him before the program began. He told us that he was very happy that the theme he selected, Japanese cherry blossoms & a Japanese tea ceremony, brought such stunning results. What a treat for the full house that was in attendance.
More soon come.
DJ John
