Tsunagu Screening and Conversation

Canadians of Japanese descent have a traumatic shared experience of uprooting and dislocation during World War II. Many families have not shared these experiences with their children and grandchildren. Tsunagu, which means to connect, is a short documentary film that explores the generational impact of losing this history.

Film director and producer, Lucy Komori has been working on Tsunagu for more than five years along with friend and collaborator, Connie Kadota, through in-person gatherings in the Japanese Canadian (JC) community, through small group discussions and through a web / blog site. They felt that it was important for Japanese Canadians to learn about their own personal and family histories. To reconnect with stories and experiences that have been lost because many JC families have not shared their past with their children. This film is a culmination of all these activities. Tsunagu is not just a recounting of our shared JC history but a glimpse at the long-term emotional impact of past injustices on current and future generations of Canadians of Japanese descent.

Following the film screening, there will be time for participants to share their family histories, stories and thoughts.

Film length: 26 Mins