Red Persimmons (2004)

Synopsis: Like a series of still-life photographs combining painterly lighting, soft penetrating colors, and perfect composition, RED PERSIMMONS is a meditative film that explores the art, craft, and... Like a series of still-life photographs combining painterly lighting, soft penetrating colors, and perfect composition, RED PERSIMMONS is a meditative film that explores the art, craft, and centuries-old traditions of Japan's persimmon-drying industry. Director Ogawa Shinsuke is greeted with open arms as he visits various farms where families make a living off of their persimmon trees, interviewing farmers. The farmers are proud of what they do, and they are anxious to share their knowledge and background about the persimmon business. The persimmon trees grow tall--much taller than the apple trees that Americans typically grow in their orchards--and these farmers climb the trees to reap their harvest in the fall. Striking mountain vistas colored in the oranges and browns of autumn are the backdrop for shots of the persimmon trees, showing the Earthy simplicity of an industry dependent on nature. Farms located on hilltops benefit from wind, direct sunlight, and arid conditions--perfect for growing large persimmons and even more useful in drying them--while farms located in the valley risk rotting and blackening of the fruit due to morning mist and unpredictable weather. Once the harvest comes in, peeling and stringing responsibilities are shared between the women, men, and children in the family. Hand peelers made from bicycle parts speed the job along, while ancient techniques (knowing how to hold the fruit and how to cut the stem into a T for stringing) holds sway over the quality of the final product--and the success of its sales. A visually rich and educational film, RED PERSIMMONS shows the cultural reverence for this cherished produce. [More]

Director: Ogawa Shinsuke, Peng Xiaolian

Director: Ogawa Shinsuke, Peng Xiaolian
Producer: Kenkichi Sugano, Yoko Shiraishi, Yoshio Yasui