Pioneering Spirits is, on its surface, the story of a most unlikely partnership between a rogue American sake brewer and a hundred-year-old-plus heritage water brand. Like any fine libation, however, what ultimately emerges is even richer and more complex – an intriguing character exploration of three very different individuals whose unique talents and perspectives drive them beyond the comforts of their own successes to embrace the understanding that, like true pioneers, real innovation comes not by just thinking different but by pro-actively crossing boundaries and building relationships in the most unlikely of places.

Directed by Stephan Blinn (USA)