Saint Sebastian

Saint Sebastian presents a rare glimpse into the annual Toshiya ceremony in Kyoto, focusing on young women aged twenty as they participate in a time-honored archery ritual. Filmed in 2001, this documentary is noteworthy for being the first to use a film camera to document this event, which has been celebrated for over four centuries.

The film features hundreds of women dressed in traditional kimonos, blending grace and beauty with the physical and mental strength associated with archery. The monumental video installation is distinctively presented on both sides of a large, diagonally-hung screen, creating a unique viewing experience that immerses the audience in the ceremony's rich cultural heritage.