After so much time and energy spent on learning the moves, we finally got round to filming the Kamiyama PhilFARMony.  We began by shooting some solo performances at the Ohtoshi Waterfall in Kamibun, Kamiyama last Sunday.

The whole project is inspired by Awa-Odori, Tokushima’s most famous export, with the basic idea of replicating the sounds and movements of the Awa-Odori here in Kamiyama using everyday objects (and of course the local talent).  For example, sudachi containers double as Japanese taiko drums and handfuls of coins as kane (ka-ne, a type of Japanese cymbal/gong).  On this day, seven performers and six film crew members gathered at the waterfall to film a section based around the plinking (original word) of pull tabs on drink cans (used to reproduce the sound of a shamisen, a traditional Japanese three stringed guitar-like instrument.)

After taking a few quick warm-ups and practices, we headed to the waterfall and began to feel a little pressure.  Amazingly, the rain stopped just as we arrived at the waterfalls!

What a beautiful view..
The colours of the trees and leaves are so vivid and refreshing especially in the rainy season.
I’d recommend this place highly as one of Kamiyama’s best spots.

With filming done and dusted, I couldn’t help but wonder whether there is something special about the Kamiyama PhilFARMony since it started raining immediately after we packed up!
By the way, did you know that Ominami san is known as Hare-Otoko (literally translated as ‘Sunny man’)?  He always brings the sun with him wherever he goes.
Apparently Kris san, the director of this project, is a renowned Hare-Onna!

The film crew members are feeling the strain, but this is only the beginning so i’m sure there will be lots of sleepless nights editing footage in the future. However, the show must go on…!