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DIGITAL HISTORIES 2024

FREE/PAY WHAT YOU CAN

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

Deep gratitude to all of our community organizations for the work that they lead. Special thanks to JACL and Chinese Family History Group for their help in promoting this program.

Digital Histories is a creative community of Asian-American aunties and uncles turned documentary filmmakers. Supported by Visual Communications, these filmmakers hone their craft through immersive camera and editing workshops, engaging Zoom classes, and a supportive environment that fosters connection and collaboration. Together, they embark on a mission to tell the untold stories of the AAPI experience.

Experience the power of storytelling at DIGITAL HISTORIES: CLASS OF ’24—featuring an unprecedented lineup of 15 world premieres!

In this program


ANCESTORS

Directed by Emilio J. Virata, Jr.

Reflections on Ancestry are expressed in this poem put to film.

BORN IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP

Directed by David and Mark Kuroda

I was the first baby born in the Amache Concentration Camp, Colorado.

CHRONICLES OF A SANSEI ROCKER

Directed by Cory Shiozaki

Former musician and 3rd generation Japanese American, fulfilling an item on his “bucket list” writing a book of his memoirs of the coming of age during the tumultuous 60’s and 70’s. 

CITIZEN SOLDIER

Directed by Cathy Uchida

Documentary of a Japanese immigrant’s journey to Vancouver, Canada and the French front lines of WWI

EAT SLEEP POOP AND PASS GAS

Directed by Fran Ito

January 2024 Fran Ito celebrated her 92nd birthday. It’s a miracle that she is still here on earth enjoying life with family and friends in the midst of life threatening health issues. God is good!

G -TOWN SOUL LEGENDARY FOOD FROM GARDENA

Directed by Stony Furutani

A personal history of growing up in Gardena, California and an interview with the co-owner of Sakura-ya Japanese Confectionary.

IT’S NEVER TOO LATE TO LIVE YOUR DREAM

Directed by Tracy Quan-Nichols

Meet artist Parker Dean and see how it’s never too late to follow your dream.

JIM MATSUOKA WILL NOT BE RUSHED

Directed by Robert Shoji

In this remembrance of Los Angeles-based activist Jim Matsuoka, watch his powerful testimony at the 1981 Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians hearings.

LOVE WITHOUT WORDS

Directed by Bryan Takeda

Upon reflection, a son expresses his gratitude and love for his father without words.

NEVER GO HUNGRY AGAIN!

Directed by Bernice Ng

A daughter uncovers her mother’s tumultuous past in China, inspiring a collaborative book detailing survival, resilience, and triumph in America.
 

SEE YOU, DEN

Directed by Don Bannai

Playing music is playing from the heart. Alan Furutani, the groups Visions and Fujazz have provided a soundtrack for us for fifty years.

SPECIAL CAMP

Directed by Teresa Takaki Matsushima

Special Camp, for the Asian American developmentally disabled, celebrates its 50th year in 2024.

STORIES TOLD, SECRETS KEPT

Directed by Patty Fong

The appearance of mysterious documents revealed a Leong family history that was never discussed.

THE CARRY ON STORY

Directed by Mitchell Matsumura

Carry On was a garage band in Los Angeles during the Asian American dance era 1965-1985. The era was a right of passage and undoubtedly the best times of our lives. Carry On was the most popular band of the era. They performed at hundreds of dances held at dance halls and ballrooms. This is their story.

THE FABULOUS ROCKY FELLERS

Directed by Florante Ibanez

Retired Librarian/Archivist, 1970s-80s KDP community activist, currently Adjunct Professor at Pasadena City College of Asian Pacific American Studies, Cofounder of UCLA Samano and UC Irvine Kababayan, served on various Community non-profit organizations. Appointed to California State Library Services Board (2014-2022).

Dates & Times

Past

Aratani Theatre @ JACCC

Sun, May 5
1:00 pm