Sunday, April 21, 2024

Tickets now on Sale – Click Here

“Carving the Divine” is a documentary film by Mr. Yujiro Seki. The film presents a rare look into the 1400 year old tradition of Butsuzo, the woodcarving of Japanese Buddhist statues and images. It follows the lives and training of those craftsmen and women who struggle to preserve the tradition in modern Japan today.

The Buddhist Temple of Alameda, Rhythmix Cultural Works, and the Buddhist Churches of America Art Committee have joined efforts to present the film on April 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM at the Rhythmix theater at 2513 Blanding Avenue in Alameda just ó mile from the Buddhist Temple of Alameda.

The incredible works and efforts presented in the film will heighten your own appreciation of the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into the temple images that we see at our temples here.

Please join us for this very special event.

“Carving the Divine’ is more than a movie about amazing wood sculptors of Japan. To me, the movie is about the Master-Apprentice or the Master-Disciple relationship, and how this is still being transmitted in the traditional manner… stern, but yet ultimately kind, in training the apprentice to be a true artist in both skill and spirit.” Rev. Marvin Harada, Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of America

Filmaker, Yujiro Seki has worked passionately to make his film available to as many people in the world as possible. He has stated, “I’m persistent because I know you will fully enjoy ‘Carving the Divine’. This is not just a film. Through this work, I will challenge you to confront your true self. I will challenge you to think about what it means to be alive and what is the purpose of your life! Yes, I will give you one hell of good time!”

Mr. Seki is an Award-winning Director, Cinematographer, Editor, Subtitle Translator, and Writer, and Producer. He will join us via ZOOM from Japan at the end of the film showing to share his reflections and to provide a Question and Answer period for those of us who are able to attend.