Ann Kaneko
By Whitney VandenBrink Parsons
Screening Sunday, March 7, 3 p.m. CST
“Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust” provides a fresh interpretation of the Japanese American confinement site by examining the environmental and political history behind the World War II camp. By connecting this camp to California’s environmental history, this film shows the intersectionality of how Japanese Americans, Indigenous communities, and locals have been mistreated by government entities that have not served the interests of all of their citizenry. This film aspires to bridge these communities and engage in important public discussion. Manzanar is a site of conscience that all of these communities can claim as their own.
Whitney VandenBrink interviewed both Director Ann Kaneko and Producer Jin Yoo-Kim.
Q: What was your motivation for making this film?
Ann Kaneko: I went down this path as a colleague of mine was doing a research project on sacred spaces and interfaith gatherings, which led us to the Manzanar Gatherings. I was curious about indigenous communities as well as interested in the land and how these camps were planned. Growing up in LA, I had heard we got our water from the north but it was never clear how it worked. When I realized there was this convergence around Manzanar where Japanese Americans had been incarcerated, which had been native American land first, then settled and then bought out, I was like, wow, this is fascinating history. It started out as a shorter project and grew. I felt like if I didn’t have a greater understanding how all this worked then probably other people didn’t either.
Q: What did you learn from making this film?
AK: This film really gave me a much much deeper understanding of where we live and how California was settled—a sense of how we are connected to living in this place.
The story of the forced removal is the story of all indigenous people in this country. It made me feel how we are so close to all these histories. It’s not just a historical film; it's trying to show our ties to where we have been and where we come from.
Jin Yoo-Kim: I would guarantee many people do not know about all the lives that were lost in developing the land or know the water history. This film tried to bring in all the information that was left out.
Q: What are the most important "action items" you hope people take away from your film?
JYK: We are raising money and strategizing for a robust follow-up campaign. The first step is to raise awareness of current events—the rise of hate crimes against Asian Americans. We want the film to be used by southern California communities to gain an appreciation for water and land management. And we want to raise awareness of how communities can be more water efficient.
We’re partnering with a lot of organizations and designing toolkits.
Q: Do you feel more hopeful or less hopeful about the subject of your film upon completion, and why?
AK: Climate change is real; we can see the impacts on the world. We have to be hopeful that we can change the course that we are on. I think the strongest message that we want to convey is that people can come together and help to make that happen through awareness and civic engagement. The reason I made this film is to contribute to the conversation.
JYK: Everyone has something to contribute. It is going to take an immense amount of people to move the needle.
Q: What was the most rewarding thing about making your film?
AK: I look at every film I make as a journey and opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. I have a whole new community of friends 200 miles from my house that I feel very close to.
JYK: As a producer, I saw the impact this [film] could have in raising awareness. I am really proud of the film’s result; it's a testament to Ann’s vision of crafting this documentary. There are so many artistic elements that celebrate the beauty of this land, and it was important to capture the oral stories of people fighting for this land. In a way, the film is preserving this land because in 10 years it may look worse. We want to inspire the younger people to see it and inspire them to take the baton.
This film screens Sunday, March 7, from 3 to 5:30 pm CST.
Stay connected for post-film discussion with:
Facilitator Susan Lucci, Founder of 2Big4Words and Co-Founder of Global Purpose Guides and FeelReal
Panelists:
Ann Kaneko, Director, “Manzanar, Diverted: When Water Becomes Dust”
Monica Mariko Embrey, Member, Manzanar Committee; granddaughter of film subject Sue Embrey
Kathy Jefferson Bancroft, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone)