Centering the Masses: Little Tokyo Adjacent 2 – When You’re Smiling

Visual Communications will highlight its award-winning filmography of documentary, experimental, animated, and narrative films examining the relationship between APA peoples and communities. Looking at other communities of color adjacent to Little Tokyo, we will assemble a two-part program that celebrates all the aspects that make Little Tokyo a vibrant community. Moreover,  we will examine the causes that threaten it.

All events below will be at 341 FSN (341 E 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012).

FREE ADMISSION. Capacity is limited. Informal seating is available on a first come, first served basis.

PROGRAM TWO | Saturday, April 27, 2019  |  2 PM

WHEN YOU’RE SMILING: THE DEADLY LEGACY OF INTERNMENT
(United States, 1999) Dir.: Janice D. Tanaka
WHEN YOU’RE SMILING is the first comprehensive account of the resettlement of the Japanese American community after internment during WWII, told through the filmmakers own family’s struggle during the harsh post-camp years. The community seemed to put their unjust incarceration behind them but in reality, class, race, religion, stereotyping, lack of ethnic values, emotional and familial distance caused a serious identity crisis.
60 mins.

Also included will be:

BY GEORGE! (work-in-progress)
Part of a longer piece being worked on by the director, BY GEORGE profiles George Izumi, owner of Grace Pastries in Los Angeles’ Crenshaw District. Director Tanaka’s WIP project will tell the story of the Black/Japanese America intersection that took part during the 1960s/1970s, where African Americans and Japanese Americans alike found a place of shared identification.
RT: Approx. 10 mins.