To some extent, it’s true that after the documentary Stone, the Silent Mother was produced — along with efforts by a small number of individuals in the ornamental stone industry, diamond wire cutting and controlled blasting gradually replaced the irrational method of extraction using explosives. When I was first approached to make a documentary condemning the way this national treasure was being treated, the harmful nature of the existing extraction method had not yet been fully recognized, and there was little enthusiasm within the industry to adopt more modern and respectful techniques. Fortunately, today, not necessarily because of this documentary, but perhaps due to a variety of other reasons, that old method has become obsolete. A more humane and respectful approach is now taken toward this beautiful natural phenomenon. The first version of the documentary was longer and somewhat tear-jerking, and I didn’t feel comfortable with it.
Since I fundamentally oppose dramatizing documentary work, I re-edited the film. The version currently available reflects my vision and approval. One could say Stone, the Silent Mother, is both my first industrial documentary and my official entry into the world of documentary cinema.