“Paired Flowers” by Hannah Bon

“Paired Flowers” is a modern retelling of ‘Takasago’, a Japanese Noh theatre play, directed by Hannah Bon, with beautiful production design by Wilson Pollacia.

Bon explains, “I made this film to honor the ancient Japanese theatre art, Noh, and created it in homage to my mother (who is also the actress and flute player in the film). Noh is a form of theatre involving music, dance and drama, originating in the 14th century and is the oldest theatre art that is still being regularly performed today. ‘Takasago’ (also known as ‘The Paired Pines’) is one of the most famous Noh plays. The original play is about an old married couple who live on separate islands but remain to have an everlasting love despite the distance between them. The couple are the deities of two pine trees (Takasago and Sumiyoshi) that grew from the same root and, although separated by sea, have never ceased being husband and wife. My mother and I live in different countries and we rarely get to see each other in person. By taking inspiration from ‘Takasago’ I created something to honor our eternal bond as mother and daughter despite our distance. This film is a celebration of my Japanese roots and a tribute to my mother and her craft as a musician.”

Cast:

Sumiyoshi: Christina Wen
Takasago: Cristina Nishi

Voice Over: Yoa Mizuno
Noh Singer: Wakako Matsuda
Nohkan Flutist: Cristina Nishi
Noh Performer: Christina Wen

Producer: Hannah Bon, Andres Paredes
Director: Hannah Bon
Cinematographer: Matt Plaxco
Production Design: Wilson Pollacia
1st Assistant Director: Andres Paredes
1st Assistant Camera: Zach Stephen
2nd Assistant Camera: Jaxon Schriever
Gaffer: Tanner Nichols
Key Electric: Michael “Boy Anarchy” Ulmer
Key Grip: Jimmy Moreno
Best Boy Grip: Christina Velazquez
Best Boy Grip: Danny Roy
Best Boy Grip: Ted Nivision
Set Dresser: Tucker Pollacia
Construction Advisor: Cooper Pollacia
Set Painter: Taylor Tourek
Makeup and Hair: Brittany Oros
Costume Designer: Gwyn Conaway
Assistant Costume Designer: Rebecca Black-Gliko
On Set Wardrobe: Andrea del Rio
Kimono Rental: KIMONO SK
Production Assistant: Michael Lo
Production Assistant: Hengbo Zhang
Production Assistant: Davin Polchow
Storyboard Artist: Michael Lo