DISCOVERY CHANNEL PRODUCES SIX FILMS WITH JAPANESE PARTNERS FOR DOCUMENTARY INITIATIVE REBUILDING JAPAN
– Stories of hope and recovery from last year’s devastating earthquake to premiere March 2012 in commemoration of the first anniversary of the disaster –
Tokyo, October 11, 2011 – Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP), a division of leading global real-world media company Discovery Communications, today announced that it is currently working with local filmmakers in Japan on the production of six inspirational stories on the country’s recovery efforts after the March 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami that caused massive devastation and deaths in Eastern Japan.
Initiated by Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific’s Japan office in partnership with Discovery Networks International, the REBUILDING JAPAN project was announced on 26 April inviting Japanese production companies to submit their ideas. 16 finalists were shortlisted from over 250 entries to attend a three-day workshop in mid-July, and from these, the six final stories were selected.
James Gibbons, President, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific – Japan said, “This project was triggered in response to the viewers of Discovery Japan, and it is so important to us to be able to show our support for the Japanese people through this initiative. There were so many compelling stories submitted by so many Japanese producers that it was very difficult to narrow them down to six finalists but we feel confident in the stories and producers we have chosen. All submissions conveyed the passion and emotions of the local filmmakers toward the recovery efforts, and many captured it from a uniquely Japanese point of view. I believe the emotional drama, bravery, and energy of the Japanese people to rebuild their lives and country, despite the pain and difficulties, will resonate with Discovery’s viewers all over the world.”
The six films cover a range of topics from tradition to technology and manufacturing to motorsports, but have a common thread that weaves them all together – the theme of hope, community, courage and recovery in the face of adversity as told by the Japanese people.
REBUILDING JAPAN episode descriptions:
Seaweed Battles: Restoring a 1000-Year-Old Tradition (Studio Alta)
The sea has long nurtured Japan’s seaweed-growing communities, but in March 2011, it rose against them. With a devastated fleet and the threat of radioactive contamination, the families of Miyagi are facing challenges like never before. While many have been forced to stop their work, a group of proud seaweed makers battle on to defend their traditional livelihood. Navigating uncertainties at work and home, they endeavour to rebuild their lives as they reach for the ultimate prize – the honour of offering up their produce to the nation’s imperial family.
Photos from the Sea: Returning Memories to Tohoku (TimeRiver Pictures)
The great tsunami of northeastern Japan washed away homes and lives. While the cost of the damage runs into the billions, the coastal wasteland is strewn with something priceless – family snapshots. The images show people of all ages in all occasions in happier times. Now, a group of volunteers make it their mission to preserve these photographs. Will the grueling task, which takes the team to their physical and emotional extremes, succeed in giving residents back their memories, and give them a chance to celebrate those who died or disappeared?
Reviving Japan’s Spirit: Record of the Tsunami Vintage (JCTV)
The town of Kesennuma was laid to waste by the disaster of March 2011. In the ruins lies the area’s world-famous sake brewery. Amongst the debris, a miracle happened. One sample of culture of the sake’s essence – the precious Koji-mold from which it is made – survived. The brewery owner and townspeople are linked in their determination to rebuild – to recreate their town and to ensure that this year’s vintage will be bottled for all to see and savour. Can the delicate brewing process withstand the nightmare of power blackouts and logistical problems? And can this determination help in the rebirth of the area?
Creating Utopia: One Mayor’s Ultimate Challenge (Ortus)
Rikuzen Takata bore the largest brunt of the great Japanese disaster – roughly half of the town was destroyed, and many residents lost their lives. Futoshi Toba lost his wife, but he cannot mourn. He was elected mayor to the town a mere month before the disaster, and is now facing challenges he never dreamed of. With much of the town lost, Toba is driven by a great vision – to gather together an expert team to not just revive the old town, but rebuild it into Utopia, a city of the future.
K-Car Heroes: Racing to Rebuild (CTS)
Sendai is home to a uniquely Japanese motor sport – small-engined “K Cars”, regularly used for trips to the office and supermarket, go head to head on a racing circuit. It is a chance for the regular guy to shine, but the Great Tsunami of March 2011 dealt a great blow to enthusiasts, sweeping away their cars and hopes of their own racing series. Is there a place for their motoring fantasies in post-disaster Japan? When dreams are most in need, this band of brothers drive on with their plans to rebuild their cars, community and their passion for life.
Getting Trains Back on Track (AX-ON)
Japan’s record 9.0 earthquake destroyed infrastructure all across northeastern Japan, and train lines linking the area to the country’s extensive rail network were also not spared. While local train lines were swept away, however, there was not one incident of death or injury on the nation’s high-speed Bullet Trains. What are the safety features that prevented a high-speed disaster, and how are local train lines getting back on track after the historic disaster?
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Discovery Channel, the flagship network of Discovery Communications, is devoted to creating the highest quality non-fiction programming in the world and remains one of the most dynamic networks on television. First launched in 1985, Discovery Channel now reaches more than 180 million subscribers in Asia Pacific. Globally, Discovery Channel is one of the world’s most widely distributed television brands, reaching 393 million cumulative subscribers in 210 countries in 43 languages. It offers viewers an engaging line-up of high-quality non-fiction entertainment from blue-chip nature, science and technology, ancient and contemporary history, adventure, cultural and topical documentaries. For more information, visit www.discoverychannelasia.com.
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