HITO HATA: RAISE THE BANNER

Directed by Duane Kubo, Robert A. Nakamura

Cast: Hiroshi Kashiwagi, Mako, Pat Morita, Saachiko, Yuki Shimoda

“A landmark project, HITO HATA: RAISE THE BANNER is the first feature-length film made by and about Asian Pacific Americans, capturing the contributions and hardships of Japanese Americans from the early 20th century through the eyes of Oda (played by the late veteran actor/director Mako), a feisty issei and aging laborer in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo. Told through a series of flashbacks, the film traces Oda’s journey from working on the transcontinental railroad to his fight to protect his community from the threat of redevelopment.

An epic Japanese American drama, HITO HATA brought together Asian American filmmakers, writers, theater professionals, and hundreds of community members who contributed as extras, and provided locations, props, and vital support.

The 4K Restoration is funded by the National Film Preservation Foundation, with additional support from funders of the VC Archives including the Aratani Foundation, California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, California Humanities, Haynes Foundation, and Mellon Foundation.

Credits
Writer: Robert A. Nakamura, John Esaki
Producer: Duane Kubo
Executive Producer: Steven J. Tatsukawa
Director of Photography: Dale Iwamasa
Editor: Alan Kondo
Production Designer: Alfredo Valdez
Composer: Hiroshima
Sound Designer: Gabriel Cubos, Janice Tanaka
Music: Dan and June Kuramoto, Hiroshima