Japan-America Society of Miami/South Florida Hosts Screening of West Encounters East®: The Fragility of Tradition
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Japan-America Society of Miami/South Florida
Hosts Screening of West Encounters East®: The Fragility of Tradition
CORAL GABLES, FL — SEPTEMBER 18, 2026 — The Japan-America Society of Miami/South Florida hosted a special screening of West Encounters East®: The Fragility of Tradition on September 15 at SeaGrill in Coral Gables, bringing together a full-capacity audience for an evening centered on Japanese craftsmanship, artistic tradition, and cultural exchange.
Directed by filmmaker Stella Holmes, The Fragility of Tradition explores the resilience and evolution of Japan’s centuries-old Kōgei craft traditions through the stories of three women artists working in ceramics, metalwork, and bamboo artistry.
The screening offered South Florida audiences an opportunity to experience the artists’ stories and reflect on the ways traditional craftsmanship continues to evolve in contemporary life.
The event also highlighted the Japan-America Society of Miami/South Florida’s commitment to fostering connections between Japan and South Florida through film, art, and meaningful community experiences. The full-capacity gathering brought together members of the Japan-America Society, cultural supporters, arts professionals, and members of the South Florida community.
“JAS Miami is dedicated to promoting build friendship, understanding, and ties between the people of the United States and Japan.”
— José Keichi Fuentes, President, Japan-America Society of Miami/South Florida
“It was incredibly meaningful to share these women’s stories with a South Florida audience. Their experiences show that tradition is not static—it continues to evolve through the people who carry it forward.”
— Stella Holmes, Director and Founder, West Encounters East®
About the Film
The Fragility of Tradition follows three women artists as they navigate and transform traditionally male-dominated Japanese craft traditions. Through their stories, the film explores cultural heritage, artistic identity, craftsmanship, and the evolving relationship between tradition and contemporary life.
The film has been officially selected for the Fine Arts Film Festival, LA Femme Film Festival, and Orlando Film Festival, and has previously screened at festivals and aired on public television networks, including PBS affiliates WPBT and WXEL.
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ABOUT WEST ENCOUNTERS EAST®
West Encounters East® is an independent documentary production company founded by filmmaker Stella Holmes and based in Miami, Florida. Its cinematic documentaries explore culture, history, and the human experience—fostering deeper understanding and connection.
ABOUT JAPAN-AMERICA SOCIETY OF MIAMI/SOUTH FLORIDA
By leveraging the region’s dynamism, growing diversity, and rich culture, the Japan-America Society of Miami/South Florida connects South Florida and Japan through meaningful exchanges and programs in the educational, cultural, business, and policy spheres.
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