What is Carving The Divine about?
Carving the Divine offers a rare and intimate look into the life and artistic process of modern-day Būshi – practitioners of a 1400 year lineage of woodcarving that’s at the beating heart of Japanese, Mahayana Buddhism.
Yujiro Seki
My name is Yujiro Seki, and over the course of the past several years I singlehandedly planned, shot and edited a feature length documentary, called Carving the Divine.
I had the rare opportunity to follow a guild of Buddhist sculptors from the studio of Būshi, Koun Seki, a former apprentice of the legendary Bushi, Kourin Saito. Master Seki is a pioneer in preserving and advancing the art of Būshi: He’s not only taken many apprentices under his wing; he’s also established a school for the Japanese public to learn the craft.
I was also grateful to be able to feature one of Japan’s foremost Būshi, Kourin Saito himself. Grand Master Saito shows not only the craftsmanship, but also the passion and discipline it takes to master this demanding art form.
Lastly, I was granted rare access into the life and rites of Buddhist priests, and especially those of Shigon, or “True Word” Buddhism. When I explained the import of the film, these priests granted me the honor and privilege of filming from within their alter area, a secretive space within temples that’s usually off limits to anyone outside the priestly class.
Q&A Session with Yujiro Seki
Learn More About YujiGoing to Film Festivals!
Yuji is on his way to various films festivals across the country. How can you support him on his journey. He needs some very important items in order to finalize and market the film.
-
Lend Support!
Gve Yuji support on his way to various film festivals around the country! Check out how!
-
Cool Swag
Check out some of the cool items you can get by supporting Yuji on his journey to various film festivals!
-
Campaign Details
Check out the details of Yuji's GoFundMe Campaign.
What people are saying...
“In our world where we celebrate the instant and the effortless, Yujiro Seki’s documentary film, Carving the Divine, serves as a profound reminder of the importance of the virtues of dedication, skill, and patience that artists must exercise in creating works of great value.”
Deland NuseUCLA ProfessorCinematographer and Director
“An engrossing documentary capturing in vivid detail what it means to dedicate yourself completely to a craft and the long road to mastery. Hypnotic, deeply felt and spiritually resonant, Carving the Divine is a must see."
Sohrab PirayeshDirector, The Jerusalem Syndrome
“"Carving the Divine" takes us deep into the soul of what it means to be a true master—to be so skilled and in command of one's craft that mistakes are impossible and perfection is not only the end result, but a state of being. Highly recommend!.”
Stuart Balcomb,
TheScreamOnline.com
Publisher
TheScreamOnline.com
Publisher
Support Yuji on his journey to film festivals in the US
Contact Us
Support Yuji on his journey to US film festivals
Los Angeles, CACarvingTheDivine@gmail.com
Contact Us
Powered by:
