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shareFilmmakers in attendance. Film program will be followed by Q&A.
Digital Histories is an ongoing creative community of Asian American aunties and uncles turned documentary filmmakers. Supported by Visual Communications, these filmmakers hone their craft through theoretical and practical filmmaking workshops. In a year marked by social unrest, intense wildfires, and the quiet gravity of passing and transition, their practice became a sanctuary for collaboration and community. Together, their resilience brings to light stories that only they can tell.
Our biggest year yet. Experience the resilience and stories of DIGITAL HISTORIES: CLASS OF ’26—featuring an unprecedented 16 world premieres!
In this program
1970s – the Emergence of Filipino American Student Activism
Directed by Roselyn Ibanez
1970s – over 50 years ago, Filipino American student organizing and my participation in the establishment of the Filipino American clubs at two colleges in Southern California.
Bloom
Directed by Gerri Adachi
Hula carried Geri Adachi from a glimpse of a happy childhood experience, through brokenness and a multitude of life losses. And now, as an octogenarian, hula brings me joy as she choose to BLOOM.
Conversation In The Wind
Directed by Gary Fong
A grandson discovers feelings of curiosity and regret when he poses questions about his late grandfather’s life in China and immigration to San Francisco, California.
HONORING OUR QUIET HEROES
Directed by Don Bannai
This film explores the story of one such vet and family.
Eat ’em While They’re Hot
Directed by Patty Fong
The fusion of Chinese American cuisine and Midwest sensibility results in a unique dish that can only be found in St. Louis, Missouri.
Finding Private Omoto
Directed by Cathy Uchida
Through the test of time and luck, a community historian uncovers a WWI photo of Pvt Omoto in uniform.
FWC Legacy
Directed by Florante Ibanez
Much of the early FilAm Identity movement progressed thru the P/Filipino
People’s Far West Conventions that flowed from Seattle and ebbed in LA (1971-1985)
Japanese American Basketball
Directed by Mitchell Matsumura
This is the story of Japanese American youth basketball. Why and who started this tradition going back over 90 years. Today It’s a right of passage where some families have played five generations.
Jeff Chop is Missing?
Directed by Jeff Chop
Jeff Chop is Missing? An ordinary Chinatown boy dreaming of Porsches and tea in yak-hair tents with Tibetan nomads.
Jichan’s Hands
Directed by Teresa Matsushima
Follow my issei (first generation Japanese American) grandfather in overcoming a childhood tragedy. See how this childhood trauma results in five generations of blessings.
Journeys for a Dream: Philippines to America
Directed by Grace Nall
A short documentary film about a California Filipino community creating an innovative cultural museum featuring immigration stories, struggles and survivals.
More Than Drums
Directed by Barbara Kagawa Shore
The members of Kishin Daiko reflect on how taiko (Japanese Drumming) shapes their lives, community, and their sense of belonging.
My Adopted Family
Directed by Tracy Quan-Nichols
The film is about Tracy Quan-Nichols following her dream, and gaining a family in the process.
THE FACE OF THE ENEMY
Directed by Glen Tao
A firsthand account of a Japanese American girl’s childhood upended by wartime hysteria, forcing her family into desert incarceration.
THE LEAVING, WAS THE LOVE
Directed by Bernice Damagpat
A resilient mother, trapped in an abusive marriage, escapes to a women’s shelter after her husband threatens to take their daughter abroad—finding strength, sisterhood, and the courage to rebuild a new life to protect the one person who matters most.
Dates & Times
Democracy Center @ JANM
May 3, 2026
1:00 pm
Democracy Center @ JANM
May 3, 2026
4:00 pm
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