NCJC Brings Groundbreaking Documentary, “Carving The Divine” to Venues Across NC

The NC Japan Center is collaborating with filmmaker Yujiro Seki to bring communities across NC the fascinating and highly secretive world of 仏師 (Busshi, pronounced booshee), or master artisans of Buddhist carvings. Carving the Divine is Yujiro Seki’s feature-length documentary that offers an intimate look into the world of these Buddhist sculptors and the strict training of their apprentices. We watch as renowned Busshi, Koun Seki, a former apprentice of the legendary Kourin Saito, works to preserve and advance this traditional art. The film also captures the insights of Grand Master Kourin Saito, showcasing the skill, dedication, and passion required to master the craft. Additionally, Yujiro Seki gains us rare access to the rites and rituals of Shingon Buddhism, including access to sacred spaces typically closed to outsiders.

The NC Japan Center plans to co-host 8 viewings in total over the coming year stretching from the coast all the way across the state to the Blue Ridge Mountains. While other screenings are in the planning phase, Carving The Divine will have its North Carolina debut at NC State University’s Witherspoon Cinema on Oct 17th, 2024. This event will be free and open to the public as part of the Office of Global Engagement and NCSU Libraries’ Global Film Series. I encourage you all to plan to spend an evening with immersed in this intriguing world of ancient artistry and culture by registering here for the Oct 17th screening.

If you have registered for our newsletter, you will receive a reminder about the October 17th screening as well as other screenings across the state as they are confirmed. If you have NOT yet signed up for the Japan Center’s newsletter, take 30 seconds to do so now by clicking here!