Through a gray blanket of cloud, the contours of Mount Fuji, a volcano with immense cultural and symbolic significance, can barely be discerned. The film follows the voices of two fictitious characters, Mary and her deceased Japanese partner, Hiroshi, as they explore the mountain through letters and photographs. The film is composed of 4,500 exceptional photographs from the past 150 years, showcasing breathtaking beauty and diverse styles. The work delves into the themes of visibility, invisibility, distance, and proximity, as the images of the mountain reveal and hide it simultaneously. The film is a cinematic experiment balancing documentary and fiction, exploring unexpected paths and cultural divides.
Ascent
A majestic, multifaceted volcano, steeped in cultural and symbolic meaning, emerges from a gray veil, introducing a profound and contemplative film.