Japan’s ancient culture, modern ways

For 12 months filmmaker/adventurer Karin Muller traveled from one end of Japan to the other, living among the people and exploring Japan’s ancient cultural heritage and its modern ways.

Muller followed the dervish mountain cults as they undertook shamanistic austerities like fire walking, icy waterfall immersion and exorcism. She joined a samurai mounted archery team and learned how to handle a longbow on a galloping horse. She filmed the sacred art of sword making under a 24th generation master and made a 900-mile pilgrimage in the footsteps of Japan’s most famous saint.

The result is “JapanLand,” another in the series of Travel Adventures presented by the Kiwanis Club of La Cañada. The film will provide a rare glimpse behind the tatemai, or external image, to see the honne, or true inner character of Japan.

The film will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 19 in the auditorium at Flintridge Prep, 4543 Crown Ave., La Cañada.

Kiwanis Travel Adventure Chairman Tom Passanisi notes that most expeditions come fully equipped and self-sufficient. “Karin did the opposite,” Passanisi said. “She carried everything she needed on her back. She relied on the people, learned from them and shared their meals, living conditions and livelihoods. This is what makes this particular travel adventure so different and interesting.”

Muller has lectured for National Geographic, the Smithsonian and top universities both in the US and internationally. She has authored three books and produced major documentary series for National Geographic and PBS.

The cost to attend the film presentation is $8. Pre-show entertainment gets underway at 7:30 p.m. This year’s remaining programs in the Travel Adventures series include trips to Portugal and the Durto Valley in April, an Italian lakes adventure in May and an East African safari in June.

For further information, or to order tickets visit www.lacanadakiwanis.org or call (818) 790-9901.