project sekai
stories of people, planet, and purpose
Sekai (‘world’ in Japanese) is a nomadic storytelling project exploring the ways we care for each other and the natural world. Through film, writing, and audio, we share stories of meaning, reciprocity, and what it means to live a meaningful life.
We aspire to tell stories that connect us to nature, to each other, and to a sense of meaning.
we envision
a future where humanity turns toward life, choosing balance, care, and connection over extraction and separation.
how it started
While husband-and-wife duo, filmmaker Sam Shimizu-Jones and writer Jamie Shimizu-Jones, walked the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage in Japan, the seed of a project was planted. Sekai, which means “world” in Japanese brings together their longing to tell stories that inspire and uplift others to explore alternative ways of living that are good for the world.
about sam
Sam Shimizu-Jones is a Japanese-American filmmaker and storyteller with a focus on exploring cultural, environmental, and human narratives. With a background in documentary and narrative filmmaking, Sam brings a unique vision to his projects, blending visual artistry with social and environmental impact. He is passionate about working collaboratively with diverse communities, utilizing film as a powerful tool for connection. Sam's documentaries have been featured in various international festivals and screenings.
about jamie
Jamie Shimizu-Jones is a Buddhist eco-chaplain, writer, and the founder of Lotus Compass, where she develops transformative pilgrimage retreats that integrate nature, mindfulness, and personal growth. Jamie is committed to finding ways to shift the dominant extraction-based narrative into one that protects nature and all beings, drawing on her skills in program design, production, and community building to inspire lasting change.
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contact us
Interested in collaborating? Fill out this form, and we’ll be in touch. We can’t wait to hear from you!