The Birth of Saké
World Premiere

The Birth of Saké

World Documentary Competition
| USA | 94 MINUTES | Japanese | English subtitles
Documentary, NY Director(s)
Erik Shirai’s atmospheric ode to the 2,000-year-old art of saké introduces audiences to the Tedorigawa brewery and the small brotherhood of highly dedicated and painstakingly trained artisans who bring the ancient spirit into existence year after year. Spending six months away from friends and family, the team of men live and work together under the tutelage of the Brewmaster, a respected leader who is also like a surrogate father or brother to them. Facing the evolving tastes of a new generation of saké drinkers, Tedorigawa remains steadfast in its commitment to creating the highest quality product.

Exquisitely shot over the period of a year, Shirai takes us on a rare tour of the Tedorigawa brewery to reveal a culture and tradition that finds a quiet and natural beauty in its delicate process.

—Liza Domnitz

Cast & Credits
Directed by
Erik Shirai
Erik Shirai worked on numerous documentaries and TV shows before launching the production company, Cebu Osani Creative, in 2008. The company’s focus is to combine fiction and non-fiction aesthetics to create compelling films. He is based in New York.
Director
Erik Shirai
Producer
Masako Tsumura
Editor
Takeshi Fukunaga, Frederick Shanahan
Cinematographer
Erik Shirai
Executive Producer
Mark Karpeles
Composer
Ken Kaizu
Sound Design/Mix
One Thousand Birds, Andrew Tracy, Calvin Pia, Laura Dopp
Cast
Yamamoto Toji, Yasuyuki Yoshida

Contacts
Print Source
Erik Shirai
Cebu Osani Creative
Brooklyn, 11218
Phone: 917 378 6744
erik@cebuosani.com
Sales Contact
Andrew Herwitz
The Film Sales Company
New York, NY 10028
Phone: 212 481 5020
andrew.herwitz@filmsalescorp.com
Press Contact
Charlie Olsky
Cinetic Marketing
New York, NY 10004
Phone: 9175457260
charlie@cineticmedia.com
* Rush Tickets available at venue except for
Beacon Theatre
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The Rush system functions as a standby line that will form at the venue approximately one hour prior to scheduled start time. Admittance is based on availability and will begin roughly 10 minutes prior to program start time. Rush Tickets are the same price as advance tickets and are payable upon entry.

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