KUMANO

5'

SYNOPSIS

Kumano is a region in Japan where Shugendo, the Way of ascetic training and testing in holy mountains, has been practised for over a thousand years. This entire short film was shot there. It shows Yamabushi monk Kosho Tateishi, a Master and Teacher of Shugendo, during prayer rituals performed in the wild and at his temple. In his spiritual practices, Kosho is in visceral contact with the elements (earth, water, fire, wind) and in fusion with sacred Nature. The experience of Life through the physical senses awakes our consciousness and ultimately leads to enlightenment in this very body.

Role

Cinematographer, Director, Editor, Producer

Production

Mathieu Le Lay Productions

Year

2015

Team

Featuring Kosho Tateishi

Location

Japan

Music

Original soundtrack by Oliver Dowie

Official Film Festival selections

‣ The Riga International Festival of Tourism Films 2016, Latvia
‣ Finisterra Arrábida Film Art & Tourism Festival 2016, Portugal
‣ Zagreb Tourfilm Festival 2016, Croatia
‣ Baku International Tourism Film Festival 2017, Azerbaïdjan
‣ International Istanbul Tourism Film Festival 2018, Turkey

Awards

‣ Vimeo Staff Pick, 2015
‣ 3rd Prize in Religious Tourism – Finisterra Arrábida Film Art & Tourism Festival, Portugal, 2016
‣ Best Film in Religious Tourism – Zagreb Tourfilm Festival, Croatia, 2016
‣ Grand Price – Baku International Tourism Film Festival, Azerbaïdjan, 2017
‣ 1st Prize in Culture Tourism – International Istanbul Tourism Film Festival, Turkey, 2018

Press

Pijama Surf
Sploid
Fubiz
88 Rising
Shanqa
Asian Winds
Terres d'Asie
Cinematic Poems
Ecoosfera
Aikido Chie Dojo
Boing Boing
Gizmodo