“Finding Her Beat,” a performance-driven documentary released on February 14 on digital platforms, offers an engaging glimpse into the world of taiko drumming, a traditional Japanese art form featuring barrel-shaped drums of varying sizes. The film unfolds in February 2020, chronicling the dedicated efforts of organizers and predominantly female taiko drummers from Asia and the US to create a groundbreaking showcase.
Taiko, beyond being an instrument, encompasses a performance style characterized by ensembles playing together in intricate rhythm patterns, often accompanied by singers, dancers, and other traditional Japanese instruments. Historically, professional taiko performers were exclusively men, performing in minimal clothing due to the intense physical demands of the art form.
The documentary introduces Jennifer Weir, the CEO of TaikoArts Midwest and one of the film's producers. Weir, of Korean lineage adopted by Americans, collaborates with her wife, Megan Chao-Smith, to bring together an ensemble of exceptional female taiko players for a showcase named HERbeat. Notable figures include Chieko Kojima and Kaoly Asano from Japan and Sacramento-born Tiffany Tamaribuchi.
“Finding Her Beat” follows the journey of assembling the taiko company, delving into the challenges of rehearsals, language barriers, and the quest for a suitable venue. While the behind-the-scenes preparations may at times appear mundane, the film promises a payoff as the music takes center stage in the final act.
Directors Dawn Mikkelson and Keri Pickett provide a visual spectacle of the HERbeat performance, showcasing the mesmerizing power and beauty of the taiko drums. The documentary, however, falls short in exploring the intricacies of taiko from a musician's perspective, leaving some viewers yearning for more insight into the scoring of pieces and the role of choreography in the art form.
The film highlights the evolving landscape of taiko, which traditionally excluded women until recent years. Inspired by touring companies of taiko drummers, the art has found resonance not only among Japanese expats but also within broader Asian-American communities.
While the documentary navigates the challenges of organizing HERbeat, including discussions over the inclusion of men in the show, it occasionally veers into less engaging territory. Directors Mikkelson and Pickett opt for a more celebratory tone, avoiding probing questions and presenting a somewhat hagiographic perspective.
“Finding Her Beat” ultimately serves as a tribute to the trailblazing women in taiko drumming, breaking barriers and pushing the boundaries of a traditionally male-dominated art form. As the film captures the magic of the HERbeat performance, audiences are transported into a world where the rhythmic beats of taiko become a celebration of diversity, talent, and the enduring spirit of music.