Ann Webb and Megumi Sasaki in conversation
“I wanted to capture how these two ordinary people accomplished the extraordinary,” says Megumi. For her, the story is unique not only because of the Vogels’ avant-garde vision and discernment as collectors, but also their love and dedication to art.
Reel Artists Film Festival: Megumi Sasaki, director of the documentary film Herb and Dorothy from Canadian Art on Vimeo.
Born and raised in Japan, Sasaki has lived in New York City since 1988. Herb and Dorothy is the first film produced by Sasaki’s production company, Fine Line Media, which she founded in 2002.
Originally a freelance journalist, Sasaki covered the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 for Yomiuri Shimbun, Japan’s highest-circulation newspaper. In 1992 Megumi joined NHK, Japan’s sole public broadcaster and equivalent to the BBC, to work variously as anchor, news director and reporter for Ohayo Nippon, a popular morning news program.
From 1996 Megumi returned to independent work as a freelance television documentary news director and field producer, developing programs for Japan’s premiere documentary series, NHK Special, as well as for commercial networks including TBS, TV Asahi, Nippon Television and TV Tokyo.
“I hope to share the story of Herb and Dorothy Vogel with as large an audience as possible, particularly with those who appreciate the passion of creativity in any of the fine arts,” says Megumi. “Or to those who are intimidated and discouraged in taking up an interest in art, simply because of their lack of education or money. Or to anybody who is trying to survive day-to-day living. You may not have lots of money. Your job may be boring. Still, life can be exciting and fulfilling to the extent that we follow our passions.”
Herb and Dorothy screens at the Reel Artists Film Festival in Toronto on February 26 and March 1, 2009, at the Reel Artists Film Festival in Calgary on March 31, and at the Canadian Art Gallery Hop in Vancouver on April 18.
