Japan / 1981 / 105 min. / Directors: KATO Tai
A posthumous work by master filmmaker KATO Tai, for whom this year marks the centenary of his birth. It follows the endeavors of Ondekoza, a Japanese drumming ensemble formed in 1971 who were based on the island of Sado at the time. Although it could be described as a documentary that presents a day-to-day depiction of the communal lifestyle, as well as performances of the group’s young members at concerts, on location, and on sets, it is first and foremost a masterpiece that comprehensively exhibits KATO’s artistic approach, including unusual camerawork. Production took two years to complete, but various circumstances precluded a theatrical release, and chances to see it have been limited to film festivals and retrospective screenings. This digitally remastered version received its world premiere in the Venice Classics section of this year’s Venice Film Festival.
