Shinsuke Ogawa (1935-1992) was one of Japan’s leading documentarians who inspired generations of non-fiction filmmakers to practice and participate in the power of dedicated, collective filmmaking. Ogawa lived and worked for years within the rural Japanese villages he and his collaborators documented, immersing themselves and forming deep relationships within the communities to film the everyday with the residents, rather than of them. This special presentation of two titles in their original 16mm format was organized in partnership with the Japan Foundation, with special thanks to Inge de Leewu, director of programming, Metrograph Pictures.
In the summer of 1968, Ogawa Productions entrenched itself in the middle of the site of violent conflict as local farmers, activists, and students resisted the construction of the Narita International Airport. Amidst increasing police violence and tragedy, this meditative piece focuses on life in the Heta village itself, documenting its customs and people through 11 quiet scenes that convey deep empathy for the residents and their experiences. This is the sixth of seven films created by the collective to comprise “The Sanrizuka Series,” a product of Ogawa’s commitment to documenting the farmers’ struggle. Notes by Japan Society, NY. (Shinsuke Ogawa, 1973, Japanese with English subtitles, 16mm, 146 minutes)
Part of the ongoing series Art Films and Special Screenings.