DIGITAL HISTORIES 2022

Shorts Programs, VC Presents
101 mins

FREE/PAY WHAT YOU CAN

Filmmakers in attendance. Film program will be followed by Q&A

Digital Histories is a mechanism for Asian and Pacific Islander older adults to use their unique voices and perspectives in sharing stories with the generations to come. Since its creation in 2003, Digital Histories has provided a professional and artistic work environment for underserved, ethnic-minority seniors in the Los Angeles-based Asian Pacific American community. Past documentary projects have focused on issues such as discovering and preserving family histories, coming to terms with a gay child, and senior love and dating.

This program seeks to engage the under- and misrepresented population of APAs in mainstream media in a visible way. Seniors are particularly marginalized, and a major outcome of this project is the development of a unique voice from each program participant. Digital Histories allows for the exhibition of these films to educate viewers about APA history in California and to illuminate how place helps shape identity and community.

In this program

KUBOTA TO THE CHINESE POETS DETAINED ON ANGEL ISLAND

Directed by Don Bannai

Hideo Kubota was a Hawaii Nisei who was arrested at the start of WWII by the FBI. He would be held for the next three years in the Arizona desert. Using his grandfather’s voice, poet Garrett Kaoru Hongo writes to the Chinese Poets being held in detention at the Angel Island Immigration Station.

SONG OF SIBERIA

Directed by Bryan Takeda

The history of Japanese Americans is as diverse as the community itself. Following their surrender at the end of World War II, over 500,000 Japanese were forcibly captured and sent to Soviet labor camps called Gulags. SONG OF SIBERIA is a story of survival, and of one post-war immigrant and his will to live.

JOE’S JOURNEY

Directed by Patty Fong

Everyone has unique journey on the road of life, and Joe shares some of his challenges. Learn how Joe found a way to pay it forward and became a positive influence in the Asian Pacific Islander community.

HONOR, RECOGNITION, AND RESPECT

Directed by George Wada

Armed with a 48-star American flag, a Santa Clara judge of Guamanian descent — inspired by judge Roberta Hayashi, Fred Korematsu, and the injustice of the Japanese American Internment camps — embarks on a journey to honor those remaining survivors who were imprisoned during WWII for being of Japanese descent without due justice.

HERE IN MANZANAR

Directed by Steve Nagano

Los Manzaneros” is a loose knit group of multi-racial educators/political activists, and artists, who been connected by over 40 years of camaraderie and political activism. The treatment of Japanese Americans’ incarceration at Manzanar was similar to the violations of civil rights of other people of color in the U.S. The Manzanar Pilgrimage renews our bonds as we struggle to fight racism and selected privilege through “Here in Manzanar.”

THE GARDEN

Directed by Emilio J. Virata

Family wisdom is shared across distance and time. We work together, each doing their part, each one sharing what we know. We draw from the lessons of the past and pass them on generation to generation. Flowers bloom, fruits ripen. We feed them, nourish them, love them. The bounty grows. At the end of the day, we tend our garden.

FUN ON 4 STRINGS

Directed by Frances Ito

Every Monday (rain or shine) 30 to 40 seniors gather to jam on their ukuleles. Jamming and having fun! This group, Hui Aloha Na Makana (Gift of Love), began in 2000. They are invited to share their music to Elders at retirement and nursing homes, birthdays celebration, and special events. They sing in Hawaiian, Japanese, Pilipino and in English. Spreading good will and socializing…especially having fun.

THE FOURTH MARCH

Directed by Robert Shoji

Many are familiar with the three civil rights marches (collectively known as the Selma to Montgomery marches) that happened in Alabama in March of 1965. There was however a fourth march with Martin Luther King Jr. and a young 21-year-old Japanese American activist. This fourth march has been forgotten by time.

A SHADOW FOLLOWING THE LIGHT IN THE LITTLE TOKYO RIVER

Directed by Jeff Chop

Tongva/ Kizh talk stories, tales told by Mexicans and later, Issei settlers, told again and again, the legends of a river. One strange stormy night, filled with whispers and bebop between raindrops, a shadow stepped into traces of glimmering jewels, on murky rapids and found the River of Little Tokyo.

40 14 TANGO IN TORRANCE

Directed by Teresa Takaki Matsushima

Old age is not for sissies. 40 14 TANGO IN TORRANCE follow the director’s mother, a ballroom dancer, on her journey through forgetfulness. She loses the ability to speak, except for two numbers. Her painful dark past becomes a blur and she finally begins to enjoy life coloring on a blank slate.

154 DAYS

Directed by Hana Tong

The Congressional Gold Medal was awarded to the Chinese American Veterans of World War II in recognition of their dedicated service. Dad never talked about his service in the army during World War II. 154 DAYS follows his military service and tour of duty in Europe during World War II.