28th Ji.hlava International Documentary Film Festival

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Japanese Judo Commonly Known as Jiu Jitsu
Japanese Judo Commonly Known as Jiu Jitsu

Japanese Judo Commonly Known as Jiu Jitsu

director: Gaston Méliès
original title: Japanese Judo Commonly Known as Jiu Jitsu
country: Japan, United States
year: 1913
running time: 13 min.

synopsis

In February 1913, Gaston Méliès left Cambodia for his last stop in Japan. There, his crew separated. Moreover, many more film companies were operating in the country. According to available information, we assume that he made two feature films (which were probably never distributed) and about twelve documentaries there. One was to be a unique recording of the production of samurai swords and examples of samurai traditions. However, the film about judo is probably the only one to have survived. Gaston in fact met with the founder of the sport, Kanō Jigorō, who gave him permission to film the members of the Kodokan school.

biography

Gaston Méliès (1852-1915), the brother of the more famous Georges, was primarily his sales representative in the United States. However, he has been directing films himself since 1903. He was first celebrated by American audiences. In the years 1912-13 he traveled the world and shot documentary films with staged scenes in exotic environments.

more about film

director: Gaston Méliès
Ministerstvo kultury
Fond kinematografie
Město Jihlava
Kraj Vysočina
Creative Europe Media
GEMO
Česká televize
Český rozhlas
Aktuálně.cz
Respekt
Dafilms