If you still love to read, if you love to travel, if you love to immerse your mind in the imaginative depths of words and descriptions, I highly recommend you read the 23.5 Alan Algee interview about his experiences in Kyoto and the making of the 23.5 film, Kyoto (Parts I & II). It's wonderful, insightful, inspiring and his words are just as poetic as his work.

“I wish for people to take time to understand the culture and not just take; to learn what beauty comes when a society is devoted to cultural preservation.””

There is so much to learn about how Kyoto, and I assume Japan, has had an impact on an artist from the United States. I often tell people the world has so much to offer them and this is proof of such a phenomenon. After all, the world is still quite diverse and experiencing alternative ways of thinking, speaking and interacting with your environment can be quite life altering in the best of ways.

For example... Without revealing too much, Alan mentions the fact that there are no pronouns in the Japanese language. Thus, conversation, especially from the Western perspective, can be quite...ambiguous in comparison. Without the you, he, she, etc, the conversation is not only less confrontational and direct, but the focus tends to be more on the context of what is being said, as opposed to the subject or thing being addressed. I've had a few conversations with my Japanese friends about this and they kindly agree and have tried to help me understand. As a westerner, I find the concept alone to be quite interesting.

The interview offers a plethora of information about how the film was made, the locations and their significance, the performers, narration, calligraphy, the historical and cultural significance and, perhaps above all else, the influence and nature of Kyoto. If you have the time, please take a moment to dive into the depths of this artists experience. You might find it to be quite motivating and inspiring.

=)

“THE ULTRA ANCIENT MEETS THE ULTRA MODERN.””

“I’ve been planning to shoot this exact story ever since I moved to Kyoto. From my foreigners perspective, it’s a true challenge to capture an authentic account without coming across as a hypnotized tourist.I have been able to understand the subtle nuances of Kyoto those living vibration. I see this film as a film not only for VSCO but for Japan. A film that brings a balance of nostalgia and contemporary critique..I have assembled a team of voices to help me strengthen not only a sublime Visual account but a unique and philosophical one.””

— Alan Algee

It's an honor to be a part of this wonderful project for VSCO 23.5, a VSCO Original title that explores global cultural perspectives, and just how dynamic and rich the human experience can be.

The score is by yours truly and Gifted & Blessed. The film is in two parts and part 1 will be released on July 2nd! I'm not sure if that's the Kyoto date. That would mean July 1st for people in the Americas. My score will be available the following week on July, 8th. The score entitled, Letters to Kyoto, features a wonderful collaboration between Devin Crosby, Emi Ogura and myself, entitled, Into the Night. I hope you like it! JULY 8th on Lofty Recordings!

“KYOTO” will explore the city as a character, tracing a through line from the ancient to the contemporary. Going levels beyond a travelogue or city guide experience the film and photography will unpack Kyoto via an immersive, experiential film essay approach (ex. Sans Soleil ) as told by expat American filmmaker Alan Algee, who has been living in Kyoto for that past two years, and as an outsider has been experiencing Kyoto through a lens that's both curious and effected.

Be sure to check out Kyoto!