A writer. A film maker. An artist.
Three inspiring cultural influencers.
Three works powerfully interwoven.
In 1966, Shusaku Endo wrote the transformational novel Silence, unveiling the gut-wrenching story of the persecution of Christians in 17th century Japan.
Martin Scorsese’s critically-acclaimed film Silence depicts Endo’s book with unflinching honesty and depth.
Here, internationally renowned artist Mako Fujimura reflects on Silence, illuminating important and thoughtful perspectives.
Mako’s videos and discussion guide below, as well as his book Silence and Beauty, lay a helpful groundwork for experiencing the challenging themes within Silence. These meditative works create a space for all who have walked through trauma and the apparent silence of God to explore universal truths of healing, hope and survival in any of life’s difficulties.
“Only Mako Fujimura could have written this book. It sheds light on a wealth of topics―a classic novel, Japanese culture, Martin Scorsese’s filmmaking, the fine arts, theology, the enigmas of East and West―and leaves the reader with a startlingly new encounter with Christ.”
—Philip Yancey, two-time EPCA Christian book of the year award winner.
Silence paintings
Makoto Fujimura’s series of artworks on Endo’s novel have been exhibited around the US and Asia. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to get announcements about future Fujimura exhibits.
VIDEO REFLECTIONS
Explore this specially-crafted series above by Makoto Fujimura, author of Silence and Beauty.
Closed captions available.
Video Series Acknowledgements
Producer: Chris Giammona
Director of Photography and Editor: Brittany Buongiorno
Story: Yvonne Yu
Copyright © 2017 Fujimura Institute
We are grateful for Howard and Roberta Ahmanson and Fieldstead and Company’s patronage towards IAMs’ Silence efforts.