Zero illustrates how a proven method never stops reaping benefits. Soda draws on the same “10 Commandments” used in his observational films since 2007, which involve minimal production, lengthy shots, and a deliberate lack of research, scripts, and prior meetings. Zero’s subject is familiar too, psychiatrist Masatomo Yamamoto, who was already at the heart of 2008’s Mental. But he’s now 82 and giving up his practice, which has been his whole life. What will retirement bring and how will it affect his relationship with his wife? Change becomes all the more visible under the same patient gaze. (JL)
-MoMA Doc Fortnight 2020, 'Centerpiece'
-Berlinale Forum 2020
-Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival 2020
-New Zealand IFF 2020
-Shanghai IFF 2020
Kazuhiro SODA practices an observational method of documentary filmmaking based on his own "Ten Commandments" which prohibits him from doing pre-shoot research or writing a synopsis before filming. He imposes these rules on himself in order to minimize preconceptions and to be able to make unexpected discoveries while filming and editing. His debut feature documentary Campaign (2007, Observational Film #1) was invited to many prestigious festivals such as Berlin International Film Festival and was aired in nearly 200 countries and territories around the world. It won the Peabody Award in the U.S. Mental (2008, Observational Film #2) won numerous awards including the Best Documentary Award at the Busan International Film Festival and the Dubai International Film Festival. Peace (2010, Observational Film Extra), the opening film of DMZ Documentary Festival, won the Best Documentary Award at the Hong Kong International Film Festival and the Audience Award at the Tokyo Filmex.