In Praise of Shadows

Nominated for the best documentary films ( Les Regards de L'ICART ) in Paris

Maaya wakasugi is a well-known Japanese calligrapher who works all around the world. He currently resides in Bordeaux. At the beginning of his stay, he was feeling depressed and this can be perceived throughout his work.He kept drawing the word ≪闇≫ which means darkness in Japanese to express the demons living inside of him. Little by little he started to find positive energies in his life. Then the word ≪闇≫≪darkness≫ transformed to ≪明≫≪brightness≫.

It is often the neutral margin that occupies the borders of calligraphy that makes this art so rich. Darkness is not necessarily interpreted as negative in the Asian culture, as they perceive it to be the darkness that allows the light to shine through.

The experience of Maaya and his calligraphy teaches us that facing the difficult moments in our lives by embracing them can make life beautiful.

Artiste: Maaya Wakasugi

Direction: Gakuto TANO

Camera and Sound: Mathis FREZOULS
Alex FARGE MICHAUD

Editing: Gakuto TANO

Music: Mathis FREZOULS
Hugo CORSON

Inspired by: Junichiro TANIZAKI
In Praise of Shadows

Special thanks : Philomathique de Bordeaux
Corinne BRET
Jean-Marc EMY
Charlotes AUTOFAGE
Greg LACOLONGE
Fabien PASSETEMPS
Mark FARREL
Garry HUTTON