This film is part of Free
Some Japanese Temples
Pathécolor’s mechanical stencil colouring is put to good use illustrating a festival at an ancient shrine.
Overview
Surrounded by verdant forests, both the stately roofed gate of a temple and its stone staircase are presented in colour. At another shrine, people gather in the rain to watch a Shinto festive procession with lion dancers and priests dressed in traditional attire. The procession includes a pair of mikoshi (a palanquin for carrying deities), each of which can weigh over one ton. In the film, more than a dozen men are shown struggling to carry the heavy mikoshi down the stone steps.
Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital, is known for its numerous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Although the film identifies one temple as ‘The Chiogama Temple’, we have been unable to locate such a temple or shrine in Kyoto. If you recognise any of the temples shown in this film, please let us know. Any information you can share is welcome! (Kosuke Fujiki)
Related
Around Japan with a Movie Camera Around Japan with a Movie Camera
Documentary 1912 75 mins
Intense interest in Japan by the West made it a favourite destination for filmmakers from the earliest days of film. This selection of films from 1901 to 1913, newly restored by the BFI National Archive, takes us on a fascinating journey through Meiji Japan.
Among the Japanese Among the Japanese
Interest film 1920 2 mins Silent
Upper-class Japanese ladies dress up for an open-air afternoon tea, to appreciate the shortlived cherry blossoms.
The Ainus of Japan The Ainus of Japan
Interest film 1913 3 mins Silent
This ethnographic film offers a brief overview of the traditional culture of the Ainu, an ethnic minority in Japan.
Japanese Acrobats Japanese Acrobats
Performance 1913 6 mins Silent
Acrobats exhibit their physical agility and masterly skills with assorted spinning and balancing feats.
Shooting the Rapids on the River Ozu in Japan Shooting the Rapids on the River Ozu in Japan
Travelogue 1911 7 mins Silent
A wild boat ride through the Hozu River’s white-water rapids, set against a beautifully coloured natural background.
Japanese School Children Japanese School Children
Non-Fiction 1904 2 mins Silent
In a school gymnastic festival, boys and girls demonstrate their physical rigour through exercise and dance.
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.