IDI Film Screening and Discussion: Carving the Divine

Posted: February 21, 2024

By: Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture


Carving the Divine
An event in support of the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple

Saturday, March 9, 3 p.m.
Wyckoff Auditorium—Bannan Building 244 (E)
Reception at 2:30 p.m. in the Bannan Gallery and East Lobby
RSVP (and/or donate) here

The Institute for Catholic Thought and Culture’s Interreligious Dialogue Initiative is hosting the local premiere of the award-winning film, Carving the Divine: Buddhist Sculptors of Japan, which explores the Buddhist practice of healing through the work of the ki-busshi (the sculptors who follow the 1,400-year-old art of carving Buddhas out of wood).

An official selection for more than 30 film festivals, the film’s many awards include the Best Director Award of a Foreign Language Documentary at World Cinema Milan. Following the film, director Yujiro Seki will zoom in from Japan for discussion and questions about the project.

On New Year’s Eve, SU's neighbors at the Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple were victimized by arson. The damage was significant, including the loss of an invaluable archive. It will be many months before they can open again, and the costly repairs have begun. Donations from this event will go directly to support the repairs.