Zen and the art of film-making (plus belated self-introduction)

[Craig Sisman]

Zen and the art of film-making (plus belated self-introduction)

Dear fellow members,

As someone who is equally interested in Japanese film and Zen Buddhism
(although a neophyte in both), I have two questions for you: 

1)	Does anyone know of any Japanese films which reflect Zen aesthetics
and philosophy in their construction? The only reference I have come across
is Kamei Fumio's statement that documentary film should reflect the
aesthetic philosophy of haiku (which could be said to be influenced by Zen)

2) Does anyone know of any Japanese films which are, quite simply, 
about Zen Buddhism
 
Best regards

Craig Sisman

PS 
It seems customary to give a brief self-introduction and I certainly don't
want to be the first to break with such a civilised tradition. However, as a
Zen Buddhist, I have to say that I dislike and mistrust putting people into
'boxes', least of all myself. In addition, as a student of Zen philosophy, I
realise that there is no essential 'self' to describe or introduce. I could
write 100 different 'self-introductions', each one as valid and 'accurate'
as the others.

Nevertheless, I suppose it's not too misleading to describe myself as a
Social Anthropologist (my specialism is Mexican shamanism, although my
interests are much wider), Film-Maker and English Teacher with a passion for
Japanese Cinema and Zen Buddhism.