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29 Jan – 8 Feb 2026

The Written Face

Daniel Schmid | Japan | 1995 | 89' | | IFFR 1996

Daniel Schmid’s The Written Face is presented by Mieke Bernink and Hans Beerekamp as a homage to Ellen and Gerry Waller. According to the maker, the film is not about Japan nor about kabuki theatre. Schmid accepted in advance that he could not possible penetrate the world he approaches. In an alternation of documentary and feature, the film tries to catch a glimpse of the Japanese kabuki star Tamasaburo Bando, whose fame is based on his fabulous female roles. Unlike western theatre, the actor does not try to copy the woman, but to ‘signify’ her (Schmid: ‘Il la signifie’). The ancient Tamasuburo has been playing kabuki since he was five and is one of its last representatives.

Film details

Countries of production
Japan, Switzerland
Year
1995
Festival edition
IFFR 1996
Length
89"
Medium/Format
35mm

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