Yumi Katsura Documentary Film “Mother of the Bride”  桂由美ドキュメンタリー映画「Mother of the Bride」

“Mother Of The Bride” is a fascinating film that documents the life and work of Asian Couturier Extraordinaire Yumi Katsura over the years as one of Japan’s most distinguished and innovative designers. Famous for her breathtaking wedding gowns, Yumi Katsura divulges personal insights about herself and her work in the film, which was directed by Seung Kim. “Mother Of The Bride” goes behind-the-scenes and chronicles the ups and downs of the dynamic world that Yumi Katsura thrives in. A sneak preview was held on 23 April 2014, which was attended by ACF Founding President Frank Cintamani and ACF Governor Yuki Sakaguchi. The special guest for the event was Kariyazaki Shogo, one of Japan’s most influential ikebana masters.

半世紀以上にわたり、ブライダル界のパイオニアとして精力的に活動する桂由美の原点や、これまでの人生を桂由美自身によるナレーションで振り返るドキュメンタリー映画『桂由美　マザーオブザブライド』が完成。常に斬新なデザインを生み出し続ける桂由美の探究心とその情熱を、気鋭の映像作家キム・スンヨン氏が一年間にわたり密着取材・撮影しました。ACF からフランク・シンタマーニ創業会長と坂口有希理事が参加した４月23日のお披露目会場には、華道家の假屋崎省吾さんの姿もありました。

The highlight of the film takes place during a fashion show in Thailand to commemorate the queen’s 80thbirthday. There were many obstacles in the way leading to the event but Yumi Katsura displayed her professionalism and experience by overcoming these challenges with cool discernment and grace. Another highlight was the wedding ceremony she personally organised for 45 bridal couples whose wedding plans were affected by the 2011 earthquakes in Japan. Her compassion and kindness touched many and revealed yet another inspiring aspect of the multi-faceted famous designer. Then one year later in 2012, her advocacy was handed down to many volunteers, she was invited to the citizens’ bridal ceremony held in Kamaishi-city. This would also be seen in the documentary.

映画のハイライトシーンでは、王妃８０歳の誕生日を記念し開催されたタイ王国初の本格的なファッションショーでは自ら陣頭指揮をとり、マイク片手に舞台上でモデルとスタッフに檄を飛ばす舞台裏の姿や東日本大震災で、被害により結婚式の中止を余儀なくされた被災者カップル４５組にシビルウエディング（市民結婚式）をプレゼントした一年後の2012年、その意思がボランティアに受け継がれ、市民結婚式が開催された釜石市に桂由美がゲストとして参加した模様が写し出されています。

“Mother Of The Bride” will premiere on May 31, 2014