Suntory releases first "Plant Explorer" film

TOKYO -- Suntory Flowers has premiered the first film in its "Plant Explorer" series. The films aim to capture the passion, dedication, and even danger behind plant breeding.

Distilling decades of epic plant exploration stories, the four Hollywood style short films bring to the small screen the drama of plant exploration in just a few minutes. As adventurous explorers seeking diamonds in the rough, the film series shows how plant explorers worldwide risk life and limb to climb high, rocky cliffs and penetrate deep jungles in their quest for the perfect new plant.

The first in the series portrays the story of Tomoya Misato, the breeder of Sun Parasol mandevillas, and had its world premiere Oct. 18. Click here to watch the film.

Based on the true story, Misato had just discovered the perfect mandevilla in the wild jungle when he was attacked and robbed by bandits. “Take my money and my passport, but do not let me lose this amazing plant,” he pleaded.
Fortunately, he made it out alive. It took years, but Misato persisted and eventually created the most revolutionary mandevilla hybrids in Sun Parasol, bringing its beauty in a wide range of colors and forms to everyone, not just plant collectors.

“When you think of flower breeders, the first image that comes to mind is a quiet scientist patiently pollinating plant specimens in a greenhouse, wearing a white laboratory coat,” says TaizoChinju, managing director of Suntory Flowers. “To achieve something truly bold, beautiful and extraordinary breeders must leave their laboratories and venture out into the world and explore new territory,” he says.

Even in very hostile lands, Suntory’s plant exploration activities have always been respectful and in cooperation with researchers and governments of the respective countries.

For more information about Sun Parasol varieties, visit www.sunparasol.net.