Thu 12:00 PM Varsity 1 Sat 6:00 PM Varsity 1 Sun 09:30 AM Varsity 1
Synopsis
In our modern mechanized world, where heavily automated, mass produced goods predominate, an eclectic brotherhood of manual laborers brave un- usual working conditions to make world-class saké at Yoshida Brewery, a small, 144-year-old family-owned brewery in northern Japan. In this character-driven story, the men — and they are only men — range in age from 20 to 70. Leaving their families and homes behind to live and work at the brewery, this surrogate family must cope with harsh six-month winters as they pay painstaking attention to the art of saké-making. This intimate, nuanced documentary is a rare and fascinating look at a 2,000 year-old tradition.
Director’s Statement: Erik Shirai
As a Japanese-American, I wanted to share the story of my own people and my culture. I see so many films made about Japan and Japanese culture through the eyes of foreigners and I felt that it was important that this film be made with a Japanese perspective. This film is a tribute to all Japanese artisans who dedicate themselves to their craft.
