Nisei
Directed by Darren Haruo Rae
Trailer
Sun Apr 7, 2024 5:00 pm Hendricks Arts Center
Sat Apr 13, 2024 2:30 pm La Casa Grande
Sat Apr 13, 2024 2:30 pm La Casa Grande
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Nisei
Directed by Darren Haruo Rae
Narrative Short
United States | 21 min | 2023
Inspired by stories from my grandfather, Nisei follows the journey of two Japanese-American brothers through World War II, Minoru and John Miyasaki. Stripped of their citizenship and placed in internment camps, they volunteer for the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, an all Japanese-American unit that sacrificed everything, to prove their loyalty to a country that doesn’t want them. Torn between country and family, they must face the enemy overseas along with adversity back home.
News & Reviews
“Oscar Qualifying Short: “Nisei””
Hollywood Scout Report
“Film Threat Review “Nisei””
Film Threat
“Shorts: ‘Nisei’ Shines a Light On Family Ties Bound in a Warzone”
Awards Daily
“RKS 2023 Film: “Nisei”: An American Short Film That is Far From Sweet”
Set The Bar Lifestyle
“No Moment was Wasted: Highlights at the 2023 Indy Shorts International Film Festival”
Roger Ebert
https://www.rogerebert.com/festivals/no-moment-was-wasted-highlights-at-the-2023-indy-shorts-international-film-festival
“Spartan Film Studios to Produce Short Film in Honor of Japanese American WWII Soldiers”
Spartan News Center
https://blogs.sjsu.edu/newsroom/2022/spartan-film-studios-to-produce-short-film-in-honor-of-japanese-american-wwii-soldiers/
“Meet Darren Haruo Rae: Director/Cinematographer; Co-Owner of Roann Films LLC.”
ShoutoutLA
Director Statement
“Nisei” is a project I hold dear to my heart. As a kid, I would listen to stories from my grandparents about the struggles and heartbreaks of the internment camps. I was always inspired by my grandfather’s stories. Even when they were imprisoned, they acted selflessly and sacrificed so much for their loved ones.
An entire generation went through one of the most horrifying times in human history and this must not be forgotten. My film isn’t just about my grandfather, it’s about the entire Japanese American community. It is about how history repeats itself unless we learn from our mistakes. It is about remembering why we fight and why we should never give up.
Darren Haruo Rae
Director
Darren Haruo Rae, a Japanese American producer/director based in Los Angeles, co-founded the boutique production company Roann Films. He has directed high-profile commercials and branded content for clients such as Western Digital, Airbnb, and Cisco.
Rae’s directorial debut, Park Arcadia, garnered Best Screenplay at the 2014 International Film Festival Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles. His latest film, Nisei, inspired by his Japanese-American grandfather’s WWII experiences in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, earned Best Drama at Cinequest and Audience Choice & Best Drama at the 2023 Poppy Jasper Film Festival and continues it’s festival circuit, screening at Indy Shorts by Heartland Film, LA Shorts International Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, and Catalina Film Festival.
Currently, Rae is the series producer for the MasterClass G.O.A.T. Original Series and is producing the feature film Surrender, starring Andrea Bang. Surrender was selected as one of Film Independent’s Fast Track fellowship program’s top 10 narrative fiction features and is slated for production in 2023.
Film Information
Director: Darren Haruo Rae
Country: United States
Year: 2023
Language: English
Runtime: 21 min
Rated: PG
Credits
Writer: Darren Haruo Rae
Producer: Jessica Olthof, Nick Martinez
Cinematography: Connor Bodell
Editor: Caleb Wheeler
Music: Yuichiro Oku
Jonathan Tanigaki
as Minoru Miyasaki
as Minoru Miyasaki
Brent Yoshida
as John Miyasaki
as John Miyasaki
Matt McTigue
as Private Hall
as Private Hall
Darin Cooper
as M.P. Tony
as M.P. Tony
