Japan202313 min
Experience a poetic journey of connection and entanglement inspired by the philosophies of a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Set in the famous Tai-An teahouse, SEN is a Virtual Reality (VR) experience that takes us from joy and wonder, through carelessness and confusion, to peace and renewal, in a lush, visual homage to the expansive emotional interior.
Hold a black raku tea bowl to wake Sen, the spirit of tea, and follow as it learns about itself, the world, and the relations that connect us all together.
Seating for this presentation is cross-legged on the floor. For presentations calibrated for people who are or would prefer to be seated in chairs, click on the blue slots to book accessible seats.
Keisuke Itoh
Artist
After graduating from Tama Art University’s Department of Graphic Design, Keisuke Itoh gained experience as a graphic designer and is currently active as an XR artist. His works, including the VR play “Typeman,” have been shown at several well-known events, including the Venice International Film Festival, the Cannes International Film Festival, and the world’s largest CG festival, SIGGRAPH. Since 2019, he has directed a VR animation work that has been screened for five consecutive years in the XR category at the Venice International Film Festival, and has been nominated for four consecutive years.
OPENING HOURS
November 14–24
RSVPs open October 24 and end at midnight the day before the slot. Check our socials for same-day availability! Each slot can accommodate three (3) patrons. Slots are 60min to allow time for a short pre-experience introduction and post-experience activities.
Warning: This video contains a few bright flashes.
Intrigued by the tea ceremonial elements in SEN? Come and learn more about its history, core philosophies, rituals and tools. Taste some whisked matcha. Hosted by Momo Yoshida.
Nov 20 at 4–6PM, 401 Commons
Momo Yoshida
Momo is the founder and owner of Momo Tea, an online tea store based in Toronto. She selects high quality tea in her home country Japan and offers them at an affordable price in Canada.
Momo is a serious tea lover. She is Nihoncha(Japanese Tea) Adviser certified by Japan Tea Industry Central Association. She is also certified Tea Sommelier with George Brown College and Tea Association Canada. She is a member of Tea Guild Canada. She belongs to the Urasenke school of Chanoyu (Tea Ceremony).
Join Sana Akram with Reel Asian programmer Aram Collier to talk about the work required to present SEN, the world of experiential media, and the impact of new media technologies in storytelling.
Nov 22 at 5PM, 401 Commons
Sana Akram
Lead Producer of the VR Presentation
Sana Akram is a Pakistani urbanist, media maker and a Fulbright alum based in Toronto, Canada. Her award-winning interactive documentary, Little Pakistan – Future Histories, has showcased at several international festivals and her research has been published in Convergence: The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies. Currently, she is pursuing a doctorate in Cinema and Media Studies at York University as a recipient of the prestigious Elia Scholars Program Award. Her research-creation interests include immersive storytelling and performance, oral tradition, worlding and worldbuilding, emergent media, cocreation, and civic engagement.
The building is wheelchair and step-free accessible via a ramp & button operated door. The event space, including the accessible washrooms, are on the 4th floor, accessible via an elevator.
Please click HERE to advise us of your access needs for these events
Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival is a unique showcase of contemporary Asian cinema and work from Asia and the Asian diaspora. Works include films and videos by artists in Canada, the U.S., Asia and all over the world. As Canada’s largest pan-Asian film festival, Reel Asian provides a public forum for Asian media artists and their work, and fuels the growing appreciation for Asian cinema in Canada.
401 Richmond Street West, The Commons (Suite 448)
Toronto, Ontario, M5V 3A8 Canada
(416) 703 – 9333
info@reelasian.com
Charitable number: 870021383RR0001
