Hasami (scissors)

Hasami (scissors) is an experimental documentary that explores intergenerational understanding, grief, healing, and performance through following Eiko, the 71 year old Japanese mother of the director, as she reconciles with the grief of losing her younger sister years ago and the childhood trauma they endured while she tries to find her ashes a final resting place.

  • Toyoko Matsuo Saindon
    Director
  • Eiko Matsuo
    Producer
  • Toyoko Matsuo Saindon
    Editor
  • Eiko Matsuo
    Key Cast
  • Naoka Uemura
    Key Cast
    "Dancer 1"
  • Asami Hiroka
    Key Cast
    "Dancer 2"
  • Syd Haliburton
    Music
  • Casey Jargo
    Titles
  • Project Title (Original Language):
    ハサミ
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Experimental, Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Hybrid Documentary, Observational, Performance, Experimental Documentary
  • Runtime:
    22 minutes 39 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 31, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    5,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    Japan
  • Language:
    Japanese
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital, Sony FS5
  • Aspect Ratio:
    16:9
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    Yes - University of California, Santa Cruz
Director Biography - Toyoko Matsuo Saindon

Toyoko (rachel matsuo) Saindon is a non-binary photo + video artist based in Japan, California & Arizona.
While born in Ureshino, a small town in southern Kyushu Japan known for natural hot springs, they were raised all over the US. Toyoko holds an M.F.A. in Social Documentation from the University of California, Santa Cruz and a dual B.A. in Film and Television & Gender and Women's Studies, Queer, Trans, and Sexuality Studies.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Hasami (scissors) navigates ideas of intergenerational trauma and healing, mother-daughter relationships and expectations, Japanese-American identity, and the impossibility of moving on after death through an experimental documentary format.