February 19, 2009
Japanese film ‘Zen’ to be shown, discussed on Feb. 26 and 28
The Japan Studies Program, The Henry M. Jackson School of International Studies, the Consulate-General of Japan at Seattle and the UW are teaming up to present two screenings and discussions of the film Zen.
The film will be shown and discussed from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in the HUB auditorium. Doors open at 5:45 p.m., the movie begins at 6:10 p.m. and a discussion will follow from 8:30 to 9 p.m. The second showing and discussion will be from 2 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, in Seattle University’s Pigott Auditorium. Admission is free.
Zen, which is in Japanese with English subtitles, is the inspiring true story of legendary 13th century Zen Master Dogen, then a young Japanese monk who traveled to China determined to find his true master. There he found a monk who taught him that sitting in Zen meditation is the true and only path to enlightenment. Returning, enlightened, to Japan, Dogen risked his life to pioneer Zen Buddhism, inspiring the millions of Zen Buddhists who practice around the world today.
Making his film debut as Dogen is Nakamura Kantaro, a 19th generation Kabuki actor and son of Kabuki legend, Nakamura Kanzaburo. In Kantaro’s incarnation, Dogen’s calm presence exudes a commanding authority, born of his unshakable faith and dedication to his cause. Surrounded by veteran actors, Kantaro and his supporting cast bring the 13th century vividly back to life.
The events also have been supported by the ASUW Asian Student Commission, the Comparative Religion Program, the East Asia Center, the UW Global Business Center and the Zen Production Committee.
To learn more about the film, visit online at http://www.seattle.us.emb-japan.go.jp.
