A Handful of Salt

Overview

A documentary that focuses on the craftspeople who continue to make salt with a technique called Agehama-shiki that has been passed down since ancient times, and the lush natural environment of the northernmost tip of the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture. It is also the feature-length debut of director Ishii Kaori. The process of making salt by collecting sea water and boiling it in a hiragama cauldron temporarily died out during the period of Japan's rapid economic growth following World War II, but one family's efforts to keep it alive has miraculously ensured its continuation. Salt is a vital element of people's lives. The saltmaking artisans who perpetuate their traditions represent a way forward for those of us living in this modern age.

Details

Status

Released

Release date

November 12, 2011

Original language

Japanese

Countries

Japan

Production

Hibana Entertainment Inc.

Director

Kaori Ishii

Producer

Misa Kimura

Budget

Not recorded

Revenue

Not recorded

IMDb

tt37497954