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Dutch Film Productions Featured at Craft in Focus Festival
June 3 and 4, there will be three Dutch film productions featured at Craft in Focus Festival
Sat, Jun 3 - Sun, Jun 4 2017
June 3 and 4, there will be three Dutch film productions featured at Craft in Focus Festival in New York. The films ‘De Huisman‘, ‘Talking Guitars’ and ‘The Successor of Kakiemon‘ will be screened at the festival.
De Huisman. On craftmanship, insight, and authenticity
A region of windmills. An active association of enthusiasts. Young, passionate craftsmen. This film documents the complete restoration of one of the Zaanse Schans’ finest windmills: ‘De Huisman’, famous for its mustard, which was produced here for many years. From ducklings in the spring, through the heat of summer to the winter snow, this documentary follows the construction process for over a year and a half. We look over the shoulders of the carpenters as they hammer and saw. Technical challenges and differences of opinion between the involved parties unfold. The whole process has resulted in a unique documentary that pays homage to traditional craftsmanship and offers a critical view on restoring cultural heritage.
Screening: Sunday, June 4, 11:00 AM @ Factory Floor, 2nd – including Q&A with Wendy van Wilgenburg
Talking Guitars
‘Talking Guitars’ is an intimate portrait of master guitar craftsman, Flip Scipio. The behind-the-scenes music-documentary illustrates the fascinating juxtaposition of the quiet artist and the world of musicians who seek his expertise. His clients include Jackson Browne, David Lindley, Ben Taylor, Paul Simon, David Tronzo, Leni Stern and Carly Simon. It is claimed that Flip “can make the worst piece of sh*t sing”. For himself “Music is like Esperanto”; a universal language.
Screening: Saturday, June 3, 1:00 PM @ Factory Floor, 2nd – including Q&A with Flip Scipio after the screening
*Flip will also teach master classes during the festival.
The successor of Kakiemon
Kakiemon, one of the most refined types of Japanese porcelain, was developed in the 17th century by ceramist Sakaida Kakiemon. Today, the production, entirely handmade and handpainted is still owned by his direct descendants. Keeping this tradition alive is more than just reproducing craft. It is somewhat a statement against modernity and mass production. After periods of isolation and expansion, wars, nuclear bombs and now a devastating earthquake, this Japanese family is clinging to tradition – no matter how fragile it is.
How does one take over a company that is four centuries old and has been run by one’s father, his father’s father and so on. Here is the unique story of such a time capsule where we witness how a modern-day Japanese family that has transformed everyday pottery into the world famous mythical Kakiemon porcelain and preserves its traditions, now passes on the leadership to their only son. Is he up to the task that lies ahead? What is at stake if this successor does not succeed?