As a seasoned cinephile who has traversed the seven seas and countless film festivals, I have to say that “Black Ox” is a cinematic journey that truly resonated with my soul. Having spent years immersed in the rich tapestry of world cinema, it’s rare to find a film that so beautifully encapsulates the essence of life, change, and spiritual awakening as this one does.
The rural drama ‘Black Ox,’ a compelling work from Japanese director Tsuta Tetsuichiro, has been acquired for global distribution by the Hong Kong and Beijing-based agency, Asian Shadows. The film is set to make its debut at the Asian Future section of the Tokyo International Film Festival this Friday, followed by a commercial release in Taiwan the subsequent week.
In the 1800s, “Black Ox” is a story about a man who goes from living as a nomad in the mountains, to settling down on a farm. One fateful day, he encounters an ox and somehow manages to guide it back home. The ox becomes his constant companion, sharing in the man’s life through shifting weather conditions.
As a movie enthusiast, I recently found myself captivated by a profoundly moving film set in Japan, which draws its inspiration from the timeless series of short poems and images known as “The Ten Ox-Herding Pictures.” These pieces originate from the Zen Buddhist tradition and beautifully illustrate the journey towards self-realization and spiritual awakening.
The cast includes the Taiwanese actor Lee Kang-sheng (“Stranger Eyes” and a string of Tsai Ming-liang films including “Rebels of the Neon God,” “Vive L’Amour,” “The Hole,” “I Don’t Want To Sleep Alone,” “Days”), the Japanese actor Tanaka Min (“The Twilight Samurai,” “47 Ronin,” “Perfect Days”) and the dancer – choreographer, creator of Moving Earth dance company, Kei Takei.
Music for the film was created by the late Sakamoto Ryuichi.
This film is a collaborative production between Japan, Taiwan, and the United States, with Niko Niko Film from Japan, Moolin Films from Taiwan, Cinema Inutile (a collaboration between U.S. and Japan), Cineric Creative (also a joint venture between U.S. and Japan), and Fourier Films from Japan all contributing to its creation.
The Taiwan release of ‘Black Ox’ is handled by Light Year Images. In Japan, it will be distributed by Alfazbet.
Originally titled “Black Cattle”, this production received support from TAICCA’s International Co-funding Program. It was involved in various project funding platforms such as the Golden Horse Film Project Promotion, the Asian Project Market at Busan, and the Kyoto Film Pitching Event.
Filmed in Shikoku, a region in southwestern Japan where the director hails from, “Black Ox” is Tsuta’s second installment of a planned trilogy of feature films. His first film, “The Tale of Iya,” was initially screened at the Tokyo festival and earned a special recognition. Subsequently, it won the Aurora Prize at the Tromsø International Film Festival, the best film award at the Pan Asia Film Festival, the jury prize at the Hong Kong International Film Festival.
In a secluded region of Tokushima, believed to be one of Japan’s last unexplored territories, “The Tale of Iya” unfolds, emphasizing the value of living in harmony with nature. This narrative is woven through encounters between city dwellers and those who call the remote wilderness their home. Filmed using 35mm color film, the movie vividly portrays the stunning landscapes that undergo transformation across Japan’s four seasons.
Using “Black Ox,” Tsuta delves into a more daring project. It marks the initial instance of a narrative feature film in Japanese cinema history that was captured on 70mm film stock.
Asian Shadows has overseen a variety of substantial film projects from the region, such as six films directed by Wang Bing: “Man in Black,” which won best film at Venice’s Orrizonti section in 2012; “Three Sisters”; “Alone,” screened at the 2013 Rotterdam festival; “Til Madness Do Us Part” (shown out of competition at Venice in 2013); “Ta’ang,” premiered at Berlinale Forum in 2016; and “Mrs Fang,” winner of the Golden Leopard at Locarno in 2017. The company has also distributed Rima Das’ films “Village Rockstars” (shown at Toronto and San Sebastian), “Coming Home Again” by Wayne Wang, and “Zero” by Soda Kazuhiro.
Watch a teaser here.
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2024-10-31 01:47