“Lives Interrupted: The Takuma Ito and Go Matsuura Story,” an award-winning documentary, will air on PBS SoCal Plus (Channel 50.2) on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 8 p.m., with repeat broadcasts on Sunday, Sept. 15, at 5 a.m. and Saturday, Oct. 5, at 8 p.m.
The film will also be broadcast on Time Warner Channel 235, Cox 810, Verizon Fios 470, and Charter 314 on Sept. 14 and Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 15 and Oct. 6 at 5 a.m.
Takuma Ito and Go Matsuura came from Japan to Southern California to study filmmaking at Marymount College and pursue their dream of becoming filmmakers. They wanted to educate themselves, make friends, and be part of American culture. On March 25, 1994, they were slain in a carjacking in San Pedro, their lives taken by Raymond Butler, a troubled local gang member, who is now on Death Row at San Quentin.
More than 18 years later, the horrendous events remain ingrained in those who knew the boys. Bruce R. Schwartz, a professor at Marymount, chairs an annual film series honoring Ito and Matsuura and decided to make a documentary about them. He traveled to Japan in 2012 to interview the boys’ families and put their shortened lives into perspective.
Also featured are interviews with friends, colleagues, and the president of the college at the time. The surge of violence in America is explored and compared to the relative absence of violence in Japanese society.
“Lives Interrupted” has been honored with a Certificate of Commendation from the U.S. House of Representatives and the award for best documentary at the 2013 Independent Filmmaker Showcase in Beverly Hills.
The film is available on DVD. To order, visit www.takandgo.com. The website also includes information on the Ito-Matsuura Film Series, which will be held Sept. 25, Oct. 16 and Oct. 30 at the Warner Grand in San Pedro.