A huge ship was built from trees that had to be cut down for the construction of a dam. The ship was then brought on top of a mountain using the water in the dam. Honda Takayoshi documents in his film this 12-year art project of PH Studio, while as a parallel plot telling the story of the dramatic relocation of a village's massive "emiki (holy tree)". These images communicate well the thoughts of the village's former citizens, who had to relocate as well in the name of the dam, and who after initial doubts found in the tree and the ship energy and inspiration for a positive view on life in their new homes. Thanks to this movie, you don't have to travel and settle down in the northeast of Hiroshima Prefecture to experience the atmosphere, but you can have it all around the corner in a theatre in Shibuya. Also don't miss the talk session!

By Hashimoto Makoto April 1, 2008