Sydney-based saxophonist and composer Hinano Fujisaki leads an ensemble made up of friends from Sydney’s vibrant jazz and creative music scene in a performance of “Okaerinasai”. Literally meaning “welcome home”, the piece takes inspiration from the warmth of a hearth, the nourishing taste of green tea, and the familiar scent of loved ones. While the combination of sax, piano, drums and bass is typical for a jazz ensemble, Fujisaki’s compositions are distinctive for their Japanese folk sensibility and circular structure built around a single looped melody sung in unison by the four musicians. Director Max Hemmings’ camera, meanwhile, seems to float among the musicians, hinting at apparition doubles of each band member, calling forth the Japanese notion of “Yōkai” (supernatural spirits). Joining Fujisaki is Lauren Tsamouras (piano), Bonnie Stewart (drums, percussion, voice and electronics) and Jacques Emery (double bass). Fujisaki’s full EP Home Is is available for purchase on Bandcamp by People Sound, a label devoted to documenting a new wave of Australian creative music.

Director: Max Hemmings

Producers: Angus Hunt & Josh Milch

Cinematographer: Jack Saltmiras

Motion Control Operator: Shane Parsons

1st AC: Max Enright

Lighting Operator: Andre Vanderwert

Recording Engineer: Felix Abrahams

Mix Engineer: Nathan Moas

Executive Producers: Judith Neilson & Beau Neilson