NEW YORK, August 31, 2016 — Asia Society welcomed audiences on Wednesday for a screening of the film The Birth of Saké, in collaboration with POV, PBS' award-winning nonfiction film series, and co-presented with the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM). Directed by New York City filmmaker Erik Shirai, the film won Special Jury Mention for Best Documentary Director at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival. Following the screening Rachel Cooper, Director of Global Performing Arts and Special Cultural Initiatives at Asia Society, had a conversation with the film's producer, Masako Tsumura. (11 min., 43 sec.)

Director Erik Shirai | 2016 | USA | 90 min.

Go behind the scenes at Japan's Yoshida Brewery, where a brotherhood of artisans, ranging from 20 to 70, spend six months in nearly monastic isolation as they follow an age-old process to create saké, the nation's revered rice wine. Join us in advance of the film's public airing on PBS, for a free preview screening of the documentary film, The Birth of Saké.  Followed by a Q&A with producer Masako Tsumura.

A co-presentation with the Center for Asian American Media (CAAM). Winner, Special Jury Mention for Best Documentary Director, 2015 Tribeca Film Festival.

"...his shots of sky, sea and early morning landscapes could fit amid Hokusai woodcuts." The New York Times

Erik Shirai (Director) is a New York City filmmaker working around the world on renowned documentaries and television shows. He was a cinematographer for the Emmy® award-winning Travel Channel series No Reservations with Anthony Bourdain and recently completed Eye What You Eat, a new web series for the Scripps Networks. Shirai’s food films were also featured at a TED conference in New York in 2012. In 2008, Shirai launched his own production company, Cebu Osani Creative, as a foundation for his creative ideals and to create films that are compelling, original and visually cinematic. Shirai’s main goal is to produce one-of-a-kind content with integrity and respect.

This event is a collaboration with POV, PBS' award-winning nonfiction film series. For more information click here.

Asia Society Patrons & Asia Circle members are invited to an exclusive tasting following the screening. Learn about the fascinating process of creating saké at one of the most celebrated breweries in Japan, and taste the this award-winning Tedorigawa "Yamahai Junmai" saké yourself.

Join membership now! For more information on Patron and Asia Circle membership, please visit our website. For any questions and to sign up for this event, please email [email protected] or call Patron office at 212-327-9304.