Film examines wartime injustices

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

From left, Derek Mio is Zip and Marcus Toji portrays Hog in "Day of Independence," a short film about Japanese-American internment during World War II, which will screen at the International Film Festival. Shane Sato 'DAY OF INDEPENDENCE' 1 p.m. Sunday; another screening has been added for 4:45 p.m. Oct. 31 Dole Cannery

Using baseball as a metaphor for life, a group of dedicated filmmakers, including members of the Hawai'i community, tackles the emotionally wrenching issue of Japanese-American internment during World War II. With a human story of a star pitcher as the framework, "Day of Independence" homers in its depiction of how wartime indignities and injustices affected simple lives and devastated many families entrenched in a situation in which their citizenship and loyalties were questioned.

With economy of style and a zest for storytelling, the 27-minute film examines the plight of Zip (Derek Mio), a Nisei (second-generation) baseball pitcher, who, with the help of teammate catcher Hog (Marcus Toji), overcomes the indignities of the internment camp in an American desert in 1943. The all-star player, who earns a MVP trophy, is dismayed that his parents have opted to leave the camp and return to Japan on a prisoner exchange ship, because the dad wants to be buried in the land of his birth, not perish in the sands of a country he detests.

Inspired by real-life events, "Day of Independence" has been racking up laurels in film festivals. The film reflects dedication and a mission of sharing a story of shame with compelling new twists.

Directed by Chris Tashima (who has a cameo as the umpire), the film is a testimony to technical achievement — the cinematography is crisp, the costumes right-on war-time vintage, the hair styles also placing the period, the tangled story simplified for easy access.

Aaron I. Yamamoto, the film editor, is a Kaua'i native (Kapa'a High, class of 1983) who also attended Chaminade University and the University of Hawai'i-Manoa before moving on to the fabled University of Southern California film school. Lisa Onodera, producer, earlier produced the groundbreaking "Picture Bride."

Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com or fax 525-8055.