Matcha documentary screening brings Japanese tea culture to Fox Tucson Theatre

Tucson will host a special cultural screening when the Zen and the Art of Matcha Tucson film premiere arrives downtown. The free community event takes place Wednesday, March 11 at the Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St. Organizers invite guests to explore the history, craft, and philosophy behind one of Japan’s most revered teas.

Matcha Kari presents the event in partnership with Dr. Gulshan Sethi, Mrs. Neelam Sethi, the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, and Tucson Foodie. The evening blends film, live performances, and conversation with leaders in tea culture.

Admission is free, though guests must reserve seats in advance due to the venue’s capacity. Guests can RSVP through the Fox Tucson Theatre website.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m. on March 11. At 6 p.m., LA Taiko Ichiza will perform taiko drum and Tucson’s Suzuyuki Kai will perform traditional Nihon Buyo dance. The screening begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a live Q&A with Dr. Andrew Weil and Scott Garen.

Organizers encourage guests to wear shades of green to celebrate matcha’s vibrant color and cultural symbolism.

Zen and the Art of Matcha Tucson film explores Japanese tea traditions

The documentary takes viewers deep into the world of Japanese tea culture. Dr. Weil travels through tea-growing regions and historic tea centers such as Uji, Japan’s renowned green tea capital. The film connects tea cultivation, spiritual philosophy, and traditional craftsmanship.

Garen’s film introduces artisans who sustain centuries-old techniques. Tango Tanamura represents the twentieth generation of a family that hand-carves bamboo tea whisks. Meanwhile, master craftsman Ogawa Choraku shapes clay into Raku tea bowls used by Japan’s emperor.

The story also explores matcha’s global revival. Younger audiences now embrace the drink in cafés and culinary culture worldwide.

“I’m excited to share all this information about matcha, which I think for most people will be new and surprising,” said Dr. Andrew Weil.

“I’m very excited about sharing our film on the big screen,” said filmmaker Scott Garen. “This was a wonderful journey into the tea culture and world of matcha, the unique way it’s grown and processed, and its deep roots in Zen thought and the tea ceremony.”

Enter to win a ceremonial matcha gift kit

Event organizers will also give away four ceremonial matcha kits. Each prize includes the ceremonial organic starter sets from Matcha Kari. The set contains tools designed for preparing traditional matcha tea at home.

The kit includes:

• Organic ceremonial matcha
• Bamboo whisk
• Traditional tea bowl
• Accessories for preparing matcha