In the exquisite short documentary, ‘The Gift of Time’, director Paula Chowles invites us on a mesmerizing journey through Japan – a nation whose relationship with time is as layered and intricate as its art forms. Presented by SEIKO, the renowned Japanese watchmaker, the film delves into Japan’s cultural fascination with time, exploring its influence across architecture, art, and music.

Shot by Erwan Cloarec, the film offers a lush, cinematic experience that is both visually breathtaking and intellectually stimulating. Through a series of intimate conversations with some of Japan’s most revered cultural figures, Chowles unpacks the nation’s unique perception of time. Featuring architect Kengo Kuma, artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, composer and cultural commissioner Shunichi Tokura and singer MISIA. Together, these voices paint a vivid portrait of a culture deeply attuned to the passage and preservation of time.

Filmed entirely in Japan and presented in Japanese with English subtitles, ‘The Gift of Time’ excels in blending stunning visuals with rapid, powerful editing. Cloarec’s cinematography is meticulously composed throughout – the imagery feels both picturesque and profoundly alive. The swift intercutting between these visual marvels and the interviews creates a dynamic rhythm that mirrors the heartbeat of Japanese culture – both serene and pulsing with life.

This documentary is a sensory feast and a philosophical meditation. Chowles’s high-end storytelling delves deep into the artistry, architecture, and musical traditions that define Japan’s cultural identity. The result is an utterly fascinating lens into a nation that views time not as an adversary but as a silent collaborator.

‘The Gift of Time’ is a work of art that is as stunning and evocative as the culture it seeks to celebrate. Chowles and her team, alongside SEIKO, have crafted a cinematic masterpiece – a true gift for anyone yearning to understand the soul of Japan. Highly recommended.