Kampai! Sake Sisters

For centuries, women were forbidden to set foot into sake breweries, let alone be involved with its production. Today, women are the ones driving the most exciting changes within the ever-evolving sake industry in Japan. Kampai! Sake Sisters invites audiences into the passionate lives of three pioneering women who are making their mark on the highly competitive, traditionally male-dominated world of sake. Miho Imada comes from a family of Master Brewers and is considered, thanks to the award-winning sake she produced out of the artisanal Imada Sake Brewery, one of the world’s most renowned Master Brewers. Many emerging women brewers consider Miho their big sister, who paved the way for them. Marie Chiba, the manager of a trendy sake bar in Tokyo, is a trailblazing sommelier. She tirelessly searches for the best sake and has developed a precise instinct in pairing sake and food in fresh and unexpected ways. Rebekah Wilson-Lye, originally from New Zealand, fell in love with sake while teaching English in Japan. Her ability to pick up more flavor and nuances than most sommeliers quickly earned her accolades for her expert palette. The stories of these “sake sisters” offers comprehensive and intimate portraits of how women are taking ownership of the sake industry and are adapting ancient traditions in ushering a new era and breaking down gender barriers. Plus, there will not be in denial or refusal to crave the taste of a good sake after watching this film. (Hawaii International Film Festival)