In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, the Gardena Valley Japanese Cultural Institute and Visual Communications will present a screening of short films and panel discussion on Saturday, May 18, from 2 to 4 p.m. at GVJCI’s Main Hall, 1964 W. 162nd St., Gardena.
Seven diverse films will be shown, followed by a conversation with the filmmakers:
“Missing Pieces” by Barbara Kagawa Shore. 125,284 people of Japanese ancestry were forcibly removed from their homes and imprisoned by the U.S. government in 1942. 1,862 people died in these prisons. The filmmaker examines the health conditions in these camps, and reveals two deaths in her own family.
“Mochi Sticks Us Together” by Teresa Matsushima. Every year, the filmmaker’s family gathers to make mochi around New Year’s Day. The tradition has been passed on to the five generations that have lived in America. See the family making mochi and find out how and why it sticks them together.
“More Than a Roast Chicken” by Patty Fong. At the heart of every family recipe is a story. The recipes passed down from generation to generation are often attached to family history. This simple roast chicken and potato recipe connects the filmmaker to people and places in her past.
“See You in My Dreams” by Robert Shoji. “Grief is something we all experience but rarely discuss openly,” the filmmaker says. “During the pandemic many have been examining their lives and deciding what changes need to be made. I hope that by acknowledging and remembering someone important in my life, change happens and more conversations open up about grief.”
“The Tale of Uncle Frank and Stories for Another Day” by Stony Furutani. The family story of Frank Yamada, a Nisei who has dreams of playing professional baseball in Japan. He eventually achieves this goal, but ends up being drafted by the Japanese Imperial Army during WWII. In parallel, his brother George Yamada becomes a member of the 442 Regimental Combat Team.
“They Served” by Don Bannai. A look at the Nisei Week Parade through the eyes of some of the Vietnam War veterans who are participating. 49 years after the end of this war, they talk about the importance of walking in the 80-year-old festival that is a centerpiece of L.A.’s Japanese American community.
“When I’m 64” by George Wada. The process of getting old, recognizing the signs and accepting that stage of life.
Entry fee is $15. Registration required. Go to www.jci-gardena.org/gvjci-upcoming-events
For more information, contact Stephanie Mayeda at smayeda@jci-gardena.org or call (310) 324-6611, ext. 102.