Directed by Duane Kubo and Robert A. Nakamura. (United States, 1980)
A landmark project, HITO HATA: RAISE THE BANNER is the first feature-length film made by and about Asian Pacific Americans. Capturing the contributions and hardships of Japanese Americans from the turn-of-the-20th century, the film centers on Oda (the late veteran actor/director Mako), a feisty issei (first generation Japanese American) and elderly single laborer living in Los Angeles’ Little Tokyo. Through a series of flashbacks, the story traces Oda’s life as a laborer on the transcontinental railroad to his struggle to save the home of Little Tokyo’s residents when the community is threatened with redevelopment.
An epic Japanese American drama, HITO HATA draws on the talents and support of Asian American filmmakers, writers, theater professionals and literally hundreds of people from the Asian Pacific American community who served as extras, provided locations, props, and moral as well as financial support. The production represents the full measure of Visual Communications’ pioneering work. Running time: 90 min.
Awards: Gold Award, Houston International Festival Second Place, Cultures in Focus.
FOR HOME USE ONLY. For institutional purchases contact Visual Communications at 213-680-4462 or email (jason@vcmedia.org).
