Documentary film about Geisha

[RockLee]

A Japanese actress living in the United States is making a documentary film about geisha and maiko (apprentice geisha) in Kyoto amid a growing interest overseas, partly due to the recent Hollywood film Memoirs of a Geisha, known as Sayuri in Japan.

The filmmaker, Miyuki Sohara, aims to realistically depict the widely misunderstood world of geisha in her film Hannari. She has finished shooting footage in the traditional hanamachi entertainment districts of Kyoto and plans to finish filming in February.

Sohara has filmed geisha elegantly dancing, entertaining customers at tea houses and diligently practicing dance and shamisen along with maiko. She has also interviewed mistresses of tea houses, who are revealed to be very strict with geisha and maiko, but also caring.

The film shows how modern geisha and maiko earn wages without relying on patrons, as was the custom in the past. It also introduces the skills of artisans who make folding fans or obi sashes.

Sohara, who is from Miyazaki Prefecture, moved to the United States nine years ago after working as a TV announcer. She has played geisha in films and TV dramas, and takes lessons in Japanese dance and etiquette in Kyoto several times a year.

However, because negative stereotypes exist about geisha in the United States and other countries, Sohara wanted to make a film that would help set the record straight. She raised money for the film on her own and began shooting with a staff of eight in Kyoto and other locations in April.

Initially, people in the entertainment districts were reluctant to help Sohara because they thought the film would fuel further misunderstanding. However, they were soon swayed by the filmmaker's enthusiasm and helped her get a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of geisha.

Sohara plans to show the film at international film festivals, saying she wants people to feel the warmth of the geisha world.

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Source:競馬好きによる初日記 | kfccinema.com

 

[Flashjeff]

Sounds most interesting, Rock! I just bought and watched this documentary a week ago:



From the DVD blurb:

"Now, enter a realm once known only to the rich and powerful. Go beyond the popular Western misconception of the Geisha as little more than a high-priced call-girl. And discover the 400-year history of a profession where women devoted decades to the mastery of music, conversation, and the fine art of massaging the male ego. Witness the darker side of the Geisha, from tales of sexual treachery and suicide to their role in the fall of a hierarchy of political leaders as recently as 1989.

From legendary Geisha of the past, to young women devoted to the profession in modern Japan, THE SECRET LIFE OF GEISHA offers an unprecedented glimpse into this ancient, enigmatic phenomenon."

I found it to have been a really fascinating documentary on the history of geisha, replete with interviews with modern day geisha and apprentices learning the craft. Arthur Golden, author of "Memoirs of a Geisha" is also interviewed as I believe this came out before the movie. I reccomend it highly. Produced by A&E (Arts & Entertainment TV), you can find it at places like Best Buy, Suncoast (where I bought my copy) and Circuit City. Check it out! You won't be disappointed!

 

[RockLee]

Thanks for the info Jeff !! I'll see if I can find it somewhere, sounds interesting

 

[Flashjeff]

Yo, Rock!
Just in case you can't, here's the link to the page where you can order it from A & E:

http://store.aetv.com/html/product/index.jhtml?id=73116

I'm sure Amazon.com probably carries it as well. Good hunting!

 

[RockLee]

Yo, Rock!
Just in case you can't, here's the link to the page where you can order it from A & E:
http://store.aetv.com/html/product/index.jhtml?id=73116
I'm sure Amazon.com probably carries it as well. Good hunting!

Thanks Jeff ! But the site says : Ships to U.S. and Canada
Bummer Oh well, I'll have to check where I can find it in the neighbourhood.

 

[Flashjeff]

Thanks Jeff ! But the site says : Ships to U.S. and Canada
Bummer Oh well, I'll have to check where I can find it in the neighbourhood.

Most unfortunate. Perhaps Amazon.com ships internationally. It's worth a try as that documentary was really fascinating.

 

[TuskCracker]

Thanks, never heard of it until now
(you wish this could be shown in movie theaters, wouldn't that be neat)

 

[Davey]

Amazon product ASIN B000BB150C
Amazon.co.uk: Low Prices in Electronics, Books, Sports Equipment & more
here ya go buddy!

 

[TuskCracker]

Thanks for the information. It was disappointing the "Memoirs Of A Geisha" was such an average movie. Maybe somebody will do the book justice.