Drama

The Lines That Define Me

線は、僕を描く

Directed by: Nori Koizumi
2022 / 106 minutes / Unclassified all ages

“Sumi-e will give you the strength to live”

After witnessing Sōsuke’s first intimate encounter with a sumi-e painting, ink-painting master Kozan Shinoda spontaneously invites him to become his pupil and introduces him to the delicate, emotional power of bleeding ink. Overcome by the recent loss of his family, the chance gradually offers Sōsuke a new path by which to ruminate on the dichotomising beauty of nature and ritualise his grief and self-expression.  

Stunningly captured, the tempo of the strokes and their delivery invigorate the sumi-e performances, offering a window into the traditional intergenerational sensibilities of Japanese artistic disciplines. More than just a form of art, the paintings are breathed to life as they draw from the artist’s spirit and from the plants and seasons they portray. A true test of relationships and self-integrity, The Lines That Define Me is a moving call towards art’s ability to transcend physical form.

Post-Film Special Event

Live Sumi-e Performance

Artist Tomoko Oka creates sumi-e and Japanese calligraphy, in both traditional forms and in her own unique style, including abstract artworks using Japanese ink. As well as showing in exhibitions, her works have featured in high profile restaurants, branding and marketing campaigns for clients including Opera Australia and Japan Airlines.

The artist will create sumi-e art inspired by traditional Japanese motifs and the live performance will be projected onto the cinema screen.

Details

Venue: Palace Norton Street, Sydney
Date: 28 October, 2023 (Sat)
Screening: 14:30 – 16:20
Performance: 16:30 – 17:00