Our Mr. Matsura

FAIN: TD-277905-21

Center for Independent Documentary, Inc. (Newton, MA 02458-1341)
Elizabeth J. Harrington (Project Director: August 2020 to December 2022)

Development of a feature-length documentary on Sakae “Frank” Matsura (1873–1913), a Japanese photographer who came to live in the Pacific Northwest in the early twentieth century.

Our Mr. Matsura, a feature-length documentary, will tell the story of Japanese-born photographer Frank (Sakae) Matsura who came to live in the Pacific Northwest in the early years of the 20th century. Matsura created a body of work that transcended mere documentation of his adopted home. He depicted, with obvious warmth and connection, the varied peoples of northeastern Washington State, along with surprising self-portraiture some of which reads as photographic “performance.” In addition, he extended this performance photography into collaborative visual storytelling with members of the diverse population in Okanogan County, white settlers and native American people alike. It is a unique portfolio of imagery and has much to tell us about a transitional time in U.S. history.

Associated Products

Our Mr. Matsura Shooting Script (Script)
Title: Our Mr. Matsura Shooting Script
Writer: Beth Harrington
Director: Beth Harrington
Producer: Beth Harrington
Abstract: This is a script that synthesizes interview material we have already collected with content we have identified as being pertinent to the final film, including photos and other archival assets. It is a first estimation of what our film might look like moving forward. It tells the story of photographer Frank Matsura through the words of those who have studied and promoted his legacy and through his own photos.
Year: 2022
Primary URL: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1d1b2OdRbjlH8tXakiETi1H7RrOsTw-44/view?usp=sharing
Primary URL Description: Script resides on the project's shared Google drive

Our Mr. Matsura NEH Demo (Film/TV/Video Broadcast or Recording)
Title: Our Mr. Matsura NEH Demo
Writer: Beth Harrington
Director: Beth Harrington
Producer: Beth Harrington
Producer: Hatsumi Asaka
Producer: Nora Colie
Abstract: This is a 17 minute demo video - excerpts from the feature film we hope to produce in its entirety - Our Mr. Matsura. While far from complete, the demo provides a glimpse at some of our interviewees for the project, some of the locations we will film in, as well as the look and feel of the film.
Year: 2022
Primary URL: https://vimeo.com/709920468
Primary URL Description: The Our Mr. Matsura demo resides on a Vimeo site.
Access Model: open
Format: Digital File

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