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San Fernando Valley Japanese American Cultural Center presents a free screening of four short films created by local Japanese American senior citizens on Friday October 9 at 1:00 p.m. Admission: Free
Place: San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center
Dr. Sanbo Sakaguchi Memorial Hall, 12953 Branford St, Arleta, CA 91331
The presenter invites viewers to lunch at 11:30 a.m. and a screening of four short films at 1:00 p.m. Featured persons in four films are:
"What Will Become of the Monuments' Men of Little Tokyo?" (5 min.)
Retired high school teacher, Cathy Uchida, created this film to document how Nisei soldiers of the 442nd /100th/MIS have for years volunteered to report at the Go For Broke monument in Little Tokyo to meet the public, answer questions and recount their stories.
These heroes, "who fought not only the enemy, but also prejudice," now face their last battle: as their health, numbers and memories dwindle, who and how will the next keepers of the Go For Broke Monument keep alive the histories of their heroic accomplishments?
"A Suitcase In One Hand-A Paintbox In The Other" (5 min.)
Michi Tanioka recounts the story of her father, Kunio Tatsui, who immigrated to America in the early 1920s when he was 18 years old with only a suitcase, and a paintbox that represented his love of art, which the reality of American life takes away from him.
Finally at retirement at age 62, Kunio enrolls at the Otis Art Institute to resume at last his passion to produce things of beauty even in the autumn of his years.
"36-14-4" (5 min.)
Produced by Steve Nagano this movie captures the reunion memories of Manzanar junior high school class members who remain friends after all the passing years. Together they recount not only the struggles of their wartime years, but also the good times.
"Remembering Rafu Mandolin Club" (8 min.)
This film showcases some of the wonderful recordings of the band led by Fumio "Frank" Muto (husband of Eiko) who performed at the dedication of the SFVJACC, including the beautiful singing of Harriet (Harumi Kohatsu) Furuya and Mas Nakamori among other locals.
Their old reel-to-reel tape recordings were discovered in Eiko's closet, and preserves musical treasures from the Japanese American musical culture of the 1950s-60s. The film also captures some memorable moments from their 50-year reunion, with photographic stills by Toyo Miyatake and others from the period. Created by SFVJACC member David Osako.
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The filmmakers will be present to discuss their films and answer questions.
Sponsored by Visual Communications of Little Tokyo, serving the Japanese American community since 1970, the first non-profit organization in the nation dedicated to the honest and accurate portrayal of Asian Pacific American peoples, communities and heritage through the media arts.
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