Embracing (KAWASE Naomi, 1992, 40 min, DVD, Japan, in Japanese with English subtitles)
A tender record of the filmmaker’s search for her father, who left her as a small child, this documentary launched Kawase’s filmmaking career.
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Kya Ka Ra Ba A (KAWASE Naomi, 2001, 49 min, DVD, Japan, in Japanese with English subtitles)
“Your father passed away. Give us a call immediately.” The message in Kawase’s cell phone informs her of her father’s death. More than a year has passed since his death and 8 years since Embracing, in which Kawase took a camera to film her journey to find her father. She watches Embracing with her friends as she mourns her father’s death. The title “Kya Ka Ra Ba A” is a Buddhist term that describes the world composed of the elements: kya – the sky, ka – wind, ra – fire, ba – water, and a – earth.
A tender record of the filmmaker’s search for her father, who left her as a small child, this documentary launched Kawase’s filmmaking career.
Introduction by Takushi Odagiri (Religion) and followed by a discussion on the work of Kawase Naomi, one of Japan’s leading female filmmakers, led by Takushi Odagiri and Leo Ching (Asian and Middle Eastern Studies).
Sponsored by the Asian/Pacific Studies Institute (APSI), the Department of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies (AMES), and the Program in the Arts of the Moving Image (AMI).
DATE: April 19, 2013
LOCATION: White Lecture Hall, Duke East Campus
TIME: 7:00pm