West Encounters East

Gr 6 Up—This vibrant documentary explores the unique blend of culture and aesthetics in the Japanese Brazilian artist community. Colorful cinematography and smooth pacing captivate the viewer from the first lively scenes of a traditional Tanabata festival in São Paulo, Brazil. Art historian Stella Holmes takes viewers on a journey through the stunning cityscapes and countrysides of both Japan and Brazil to introduce the history of early Japanese immigrants to the South American country more than a century ago and to examine the ways they influenced nearly every aspect of Brazilian life, from agriculture to sports to fashion, as well as the film's main focus: art. Interviews with contemporary Japanese Brazilian artists shed light on the evolution of the community's art in a variety of styles and media, including abstract painting, lacquerware, street art, and sculpture. As the artists reflect on how their blended cultural backgrounds affect their own work, they recall famous Japanese Brazilian artists who paved the way during the 20th century, such as Manabu Mabe and Tomie Ohtake. This program tells a clear story of traditions and sensibilities passed down through generations, kept alive and made new.