Day of Independence


Day of Independence is a 2003 short film, broadcast in 2005 as a half-hour PBS television special. It is a drama, set during the Japanese American internment of World War II, produced by Cedar Grove Productions with Visual Communications as fiscal sponsor.

Plot

Set in a relocation camp in 1943, "Day of Independence" tells the story of a young baseball player facing the tragic circumstances of the internment of 110,000 Americans of Japanese ancestry during World War II. The narrative follows a family torn apart by forced and unjust incarceration, highlighting a father's decision that challenges his son. Ultimately, the story unfolds with the son's triumph through courage, sacrifice, and the backdrop of the All-American game of baseball.

Cast

  • Derek Mio as Zip
  • Marcus Toji as Hog
  • Alan Muraoka as Father
  • Keiko Kawashima as Mother
  • Chris Tashima as The Umpire
  • Dean Komure as Spectator
  • Lisa Joe as Frances
  • Diana Toshiko as Betty
  • Sarah Chang as Sadie
  • Julie Tofukuji as Mimi
  • Ulysses Lee as Tad
  • Jonathan Okui as Satch
  • Gina Hiraizumi as Rose

    History

The story of the film is based on playwright and executive producer Tim Toyama's own father's World War II experience. During the war, Toyama's father, whose nickname was Zip, was sent along with his entire family to a U.S. internment camp for Japanese Americans. Zip's Issei father fell ill and elected to return to Japan, along with Zip's mother, on a prisoner exchange ship, called the MS Gripsholm. However, the parents told Zip that as an American, he should remain in the U.S.

Background

Toyama wrote a play based on his family history, Independence Day. He and director Chris Tashima then adapted the play into a short film, which was produced by Lisa Onodera. The film was shot in 6 days, in Stockton, California and in Los Angeles. It was completed in 2003 and played in over 70 film and video festivals and competitions, winning 25 awards. Following its broadcast premiere on KHET/PBS Hawai'i on May 12, 2005, the film received a Regional Emmy nomination, from the NATAS San Francisco/Northern California Chapter, in the category of Historical/Cultural – Program/Special.

Awards