“Johan, L'épreuve du feu (Johan, Trial by fire)”
Swiss Cinema Days x SSFF & ASIA 2024 Autumn Screening - Swiss Short Feature: Swiss Eyes on Japan
To mark the 160th anniversary of the Swiss-Japanese diplomatic relations, we invite you to rediscover the fascinating Japan depicted in three short films by Swiss directors. “Johan, l’épreuve du feu (Johan, Trial by Fire)” is a documentary set in Hiroshima following Johan, a Swiss man who fell in love with Japanese swords and became a swordsmith. “THIRD WHEEL” offers a comedic take on a love triangle, unveiled through psychic powers in the Edo period and “TOKYO RAIN” presents a mysterious story of Tokyo in the near future, where rain continues to fall. After the screening, special guests Johan Leutwiler—Japan’s first foreign swordsmith— and director Romain Guélat, who followed his story in the documentary “Johan, l’épreuve du feu”, will make a special appearance to discuss the making of the film and Johan’s thoughts on his passion as a sword-smith.
“JOHAN, L’ÉPREUVE DU FEU” (“JOHAN, TRIAL BY FIRE”)
“L’Epreuve du Feu” (JOHAN, TRIAL BY FIRE) tells the story of Johan Leutwiler’s astonishing journey to Japan. Attracted to Japanese culture while living in Switzerland, Johan begins learning the language, studying calligraphy and developing a passion for the world of swordsmanship. After a decisive first trip, he decides to leave everything behind and go live his passion in Japan. It’s like a revelation. He knows he belongs here, and will become a sword smith. A successful gamble! Today, Johan lives in the countryside of Hiroshima prefecture and has become the only foreign sword smith in Japan. The “Passe-moi les Jumelles” team sets out to meet him.
Date & Time: Saturday October 26, from 13:30 to 15:00
Venue: Tokyo Photographic Art Museum Hall in Ebisu
Organizers: Short Shorts Executive Committee
More information here: https://www.shortshorts.org/2024autumn/en/event/swiss/
Johan Leutwiler
Originally from the city of Monthey in Valais, Johan Leutwiler has devoted half his life to his goal of becoming a Japanese sword smith. His goal achieved, he now has an official diploma from the Japanese Ministry of Culture. Thanks to his knowledge, he hopes to be able to showcase traditional craftsmanship in the future, and to raise awareness in both East and West!
Romain Guélat
Romain Guélat was born in Switzerland. In 1992, he graduated from ESEC Cinema & Television School in Paris . Back in Switzerland, he began to work at the Swiss National Television (RTS) in Geneva. He directed documentaries and created new program concepts. Today he works mainly as a director and a producer for the show « Passe-moi les Jumelles ».
Romain Guélat is also a « live TV director », working for music events (Montreux Jazz Festival) and bands (Carrousel, The Young Gods, Muse). He also directs music videos.
As a director and photographer, Romain Guélat has passion for Japan and its culture. The documentary « Geisha, the Twilight of the Flowers » was released in 2007 among many other photographic and film projects.
Director & cameraman: Romain Guélat
Sound engineer: Emmanuel Pourchet Coordination and translation: Shihori Tadani
Editing: Corinne Dubuis
Original music: Romain Siegenthaler
Sound illustration: Sébastien Fawer
Calibration: Lison Amiot
Mixing: Edgard Biondina
Production: Antoine Plantevin; Valérie Teuscher, Matthieu Fournier
This event is Supported by
This event is part of the Swiss Vitality Days 2024, celebrating the 160th anniversary of bilateral relations between Switzerland and Japan, and takes place in the framework of Vitality.Swiss, Switzerland’s public diplomacy program on the road to Expo 2025 Osaka – Kansai.
Article’s cover:
© Photo by Romain Guélat