A tradition going back to the 16th century, making paper by hand is still central to life in the village of Kurotani in the Japanese prefecture of Kyoto. The durable and versatile material, called washi, is crafted in a meticulous process that includes harvesting a trio of plants, shredding and soaking the fibers, and forming sheets on bamboo screens. This short meditative documentary follows the process from harvest to the finished beautiful sheets.

Film by Kuroyanagi Takashi
Music by Kurachi Martha