With a hip music track and never-before-seen archival footage, PILGRIMAGE tells how an abandoned WWII concentration camp (Manzanar) for Japanese Americans was transformed into a symbol of retrospection and solidarity for people of all ages, races and nationalities in our post 9/11 world. During the 1970s when Asians in American were invisible to the country –and more importantly even to themselves – the late Chris Iijima’s music provided a voice and identity and entire generation had been in search of. Through animated photographs, intimate home movies, archival footage and Chris’ own songs, A SONG FOR OURSELVES shows how Chris’ music unleashed the contagious energy of the Asian American Movement with an unrelenting passion for social justice and a live well lived.
Two Films by Tadashi Nakamura
