Amid the revolutionary spirit of America's counterculture era, a generation of Japanese American youth—the Sansei—converged on Little Tokyo, transforming this historic neighborhood into a vibrant epicenter of activism. Drawing inspiration from the social movements sweeping across the nation, these young activists confronted urgent issues facing their community: Vietnam War opposition, aggressive urban redevelopment, the lingering trauma of wartime incarceration, and the struggle to preserve cultural identity in a rapidly changing landscape. Through intimate conversations with key figures Evelyn Yoshimura, Mark Masoka, David Monkawa, and Lucien Kubo, this documentary chronicles their passionate fight against gentrification, their advocacy for affordable housing and social services, and their unwavering commitment to securing Little Tokyo's future as both a physical space and spiritual home for generations to come. This screening is presented with HITO HATA: RAISE THE BANNER, and is co-sponsored and co-presented by <a href="https://www.nichibei.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nichi Bei Foundation</a>.

1970s: The Fight for Little Tokyo

Last seen in Sacramento 45 years ago when first released, HITO HATA: RAISE THE BANNER, the landmark first film of the Japanese American Issei experience, features the first generation of Asian American actors, including the incomparable Mako and Sacramento natives Noriyuki “Pat” Morita and Yuki Shimoda. HITO HATA was recently transferred from the original film format to a 4K video presentation. It will be preceded by the short documentary 1970’S: THE FIGHT FOR LITTLE TOKYO, which chronicles the redevelopment and gentrification struggle in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, upon which HITO HATA is based. Directed by Robert A. Nakamura and Duane Kubo, both of whom now have their early documentaries (MANZANAR, CRUISIN’ J TOWN) included in the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, HITO HATA’s music track was composed by Da n Kuramoto of Hiroshima fame and includes the koto work of the legendary June Kuramoto. Director Duane Kubo will participate in a post-screening Question and Answer discussion, and a brief reception in the theatre lobby will follow. This screening is co-sponsored and co-presented by <a href="https://www.nichibei.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nichi Bei Foundation</a>.

Hito Hata: Raise the Banner

Filmmaker Tadashi explores his father Robert A. Nakamura's life as an influential Asian American artist and activist, while grappling with Robert's Parkinson's diagnosis, navigating themes of art, grief, and their father-son relationship. This Opening Night screening is co-sponsored and co-presented by <a href="https://www.nichibei.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Nichi Bei Foundation</a>.

Third Act

In this intimate and powerful debut documentary, Kennedy Moua, a second-generation Hmong American high school senior from Sacramento, embarks on a poignant journey to uncover his community's silenced history. With fellow students Deanave Yang, Laichee Khang, Tyler Easter, and Brianna Moua, Kennedy Moua delicately navigates the challenging terrain of intergenerational trauma as they interview relatives who fought alongside American forces during the "Secret War" in Laos—a clandestine US military operation during the Vietnam War that has remained largely undocumented. Supported by EBAYC-Sacramento, these young filmmakers craft not only a historical record but also a moving meditation on identity, cultural preservation, and the courage required to confront painful legacies. Hmong Pride ultimately reveals as much about the present generation's quest for understanding as it does about their elders' experiences, offering a vital contribution to both Hmong American storytelling and documentary filmmaking.

Hmong Pride

California

VOD: SAPFF 2025 Opening Night Films

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