This screening features 2 films. Toggle between film descriptions by clicking on the buttons at the top right.
A coming-of-age journey in the midst of war and bravery. A Japanese American woman incarnated at Minidoka during WWII, May Namba's story is narrated by her granddaughter Miyako Namba. Chronicling the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt’s execute order that sent Japanese Americans to prison camps, and the impact it had on those Americans, this is a part of American history not often told. May Namba’s patriotism, resilience, perseverance, and leadership is an inspiration.
Director - Emily Hanako Momohara
NAMBA has truly been my most challenging and rewarding project to date. This story of incarceration, community and social justice illustrate that portions of our country’s narrative must be revealed.
After the attacks of September 11th, May Namba became a mentor to me. I was honored when she allowed me to document her sharing experiences during WWII and continued racism she faced. I had no idea at the time how difficult it would be to convey her story respectfully yet concretely pointing out the injustice and trauma.
As an educator, the shape of the film naturally transformed into an educational one, a learning vehicle for youth or anyone who is unfamiliar with this aspect of American history. Bringing in May’s granddaughter Miyako Namba as the narrator became the essential thread that tied the whole film together. Miyako’s voice as she discovers May’s hardships and resilience brings the history to the present.
From the start of filming to its premiere, the project took a total of eight years, and I could not be more pleased to share NAMBA: a Japanese American Incarceration and Life of Resilience.
Thank you!
This screening features 2 films. Toggle between film descriptions by clicking on the buttons at the top right.
A coming-of-age journey in the midst of war and bravery. A Japanese American woman incarnated at Minidoka during WWII, May Namba's story is narrated by her granddaughter Miyako Namba. Chronicling the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt’s execute order that sent Japanese Americans to prison camps, and the impact it had on those Americans, this is a part of American history not often told. May Namba’s patriotism, resilience, perseverance, and leadership is an inspiration.
Director - Emily Hanako Momohara
NAMBA has truly been my most challenging and rewarding project to date. This story of incarceration, community and social justice illustrate that portions of our country’s narrative must be revealed.
After the attacks of September 11th, May Namba became a mentor to me. I was honored when she allowed me to document her sharing experiences during WWII and continued racism she faced. I had no idea at the time how difficult it would be to convey her story respectfully yet concretely pointing out the injustice and trauma.
As an educator, the shape of the film naturally transformed into an educational one, a learning vehicle for youth or anyone who is unfamiliar with this aspect of American history. Bringing in May’s granddaughter Miyako Namba as the narrator became the essential thread that tied the whole film together. Miyako’s voice as she discovers May’s hardships and resilience brings the history to the present.
From the start of filming to its premiere, the project took a total of eight years, and I could not be more pleased to share NAMBA: a Japanese American Incarceration and Life of Resilience.
Thank you!
