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Ramen Heads

★ Oct.2 Tue @ 7:15PM


2017 | 93min | with English Subtitles | Directed by Koki Shigeno

This documentary gives an intimate look at enthusiastic fans of ramen and the chefs who make it. Over a 15-month-long shoot, Chukasoba Tomita proprietor Tomita Osamu and his customers are interviewed revealing the history of ramen’s evolution while also painting a portrait of Japan’s distinct ramen culture. The camera captures Tomita’s virtually apprentice monk-like daily life: the obsessive caution exercised toward his soup and noodles; the care and precision practiced toward the ingredients; the severe scolding toward his pupils; the extraordinary care toward his customers; and his exploration of ramen shops on his days off.
 

 

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© 2017 Netzgen

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A Tale of Love and Honor: Life in Gion

★ Sept.29 Sat @ 3:30 PM
★ FREE ADMISSON


2017 | 49 min | with English Subtitles | Presented and supported by NHK WORLD-Japan

Within Japan, there’s a place that seems to transport visitors to another world: Gion, in Kyoto. When night falls in this historic district, nearly 100 geiko, or traditional entertainers, make their way to teahouses to perform classical arts, such as music and dance, for carefully selected guests. Kimi Ota, 77, is the proprietress of a 200-year-old teahouse. Throughout its history, it has always been run by a woman. The proprietress cannot marry and must have a daughter who can someday take over. Peer behind the curtain into the unique and alluring world of Kyoto’s teahouses.

*First come first served. Please make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the start of the screening to secure your seat.
 

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Ryuichi Sakamoto : CODA

★ Oct.4 Thur @ 7:15 PM


2017 | 102 min | with English Subtitles | Directed by Stephen Nomura Schible

One of the most important artists of our era, Ryuichi Sakamoto has had a prolific career spanning over four decades. From techno-pop stardom to Oscar-winning film composer, the evolution of his music has coincided with his life journeys. Following Fukushima, Sakamoto became an iconic figure in Japan’s social movement against nuclear power. As Sakamoto returns to music following a cancer diagnosis, his haunting awareness of the ephemerality of life gives birth to a resounding new masterpiece. RYUICHI SAKAMOTO: CODA is an intimate portrait of both the artist and the man.
 

 

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© 2017 SKMTDOC, LLC

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