Screenings
Buddhist Temple of San Diego Screening
March 30, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Buddhist Temple of San Diego, 2929 Market St., San Diego, CA 92102
Optional Bento Lunch at 11:45 AM | See description for details
Join us at the Buddhist Temple of San Diego to experience a film that explores themes of citizenship, illegal deportation, and justice—issues that are deeply relevant today. Hosted by the Japanese American Historical Society of San Diego, learn the story of Wayne M. Collins, the attorney who fought for over two decades to restore the U.S. citizenship of more than 5,500 Japanese Americans during WWII. This impactful documentary also delves into Collins’s dedication to defending Fred Korematsu and Iva Toguri, underscoring his tireless pursuit of justice and constitutional rights. Don’t miss this exploration of a crucial yet underrecognized moment in American legal history.
We will also be hosting an optional luncheon at 11:45 AM. A Bento Box for $20 can be pre-ordered by emailing nkshimamoto@gmail.com by March 25. Please indicate “Regular” or “Vegetarian”. Payment will be accepted on March 30 at the entrance.
Buddhist Church of Sacramento Screening
February 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Buddhist Church of Sacramento, 2401 Riverside Blvd, Sacramento, CA
This powerful documentary tells the story of Wayne M. Collins, an attorney who fought to restore the U.S. citizenship of thousands of Japanese Americans unjustly forced to renounce under government duress during WWII. Following the screening, stay for a compelling discussion featuring filmmaker Sharon Yamato, panel members Wayne Merrill Collins, Tule Lake Committee Chair Hiroshi Shimizu, and Tule Lake descendant Sadako Kashiwagi. We are excited to announce that Superior Court Judge Kara Ueda will be moderating the discussion. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversation about history and justice!
Yolo County Day of Remembrance of Executive Order 9066
February 19, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Davis Veterans Memorial Theatre (203 E 14th St., Davis, CA)
Join us for a free screening of One Fighting Irishman at the Yolo County Day of Remembrance of Executive Order 9066 / Stop Mass Deportations at the Davis Veterans Memorial Theatre. This event honors the anniversary of Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans during WWII. The screening will shed light on Wayne M. Collins’ decades-long fight for justice for those coerced into renouncing their U.S. citizenship at Tule Lake. As we reflect on this history, we also confront the ongoing struggles surrounding mass deportations and civil rights today. Don’t miss this powerful evening of remembrance and discussion.
Berkeley Historical Society & Museum Screening
[SOLD OUT]
February 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Berkeley Historical Society & Museum, 1931 Center Street Berkeley, CA, 94704
Join us for a heartfelt screening of One Fighting Irishman at the distinguished Berkeley Historical Society & Museum, followed by a special post-film discussion with renowned author Satsuki Ina, Tule Lake survivor and writer of The Poet and the Silk Girl. This documentary tells the story of Wayne M. Collins, the attorney who fought for over two decades to restore the U.S. citizenship of more than 5,500 Japanese Americans who were forced to renounce it under government duress at Tule Lake during WWII. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about a little-known, but critical fight for justice and hear firsthand from a survivor whose story brings history to life.
Omni Los Angeles Hotel Screening
February 4, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Omni Los Angeles Hotel, California Plaza, 251 S. Olive Street, Los Angeles, CA
Reception: 5:30 PM (Appetizers & No-Host Bar) | Panel Presentation: 6:30 PM
Join us for a powerful evening of history and justice in the heart of Los Angeles with an exclusive screening of “One Fighting Irishman.” This program presented by the Criminal Courts Bar Association, Japanese American Bar Association, and Asian Pacific American Bar Association, recounts the legacy of attorney Wayne M. Collins, one of few attorneys to defend Japanese Americans during WWII, who fought for 23 years to help restore U.S. citizenship for more than 5,500 people who renounced under governmental duress at the Tule Lake Segregation Center. Stay tuned for an engaging post-screening discussion with Judge Jon R. Takasugi, Justice Kathryn Doi Todd, and attorney Mia Yamamoto, along with filmmakers Sharon Yamato and Evan Kodani. Seating is limited, so be sure to reserve a spot today!
REGISTER HERE: http://www.laccba.shop/
Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest
October 18-27
Streaming Online
Experience the riveting documentary “One Fighting Irishman” from the comfort of your home during the Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest. This film unveils the tireless efforts of Wayne M. Collins, a San Francisco civil rights attorney, as he defends Japanese Americans during WWII. By purchasing a ticket, not only will you gain access to this powerful film, but you’ll also be able to participate in other festival events. Don’t miss this chance to explore a collection of impactful stories and discussions—all available online.
United Nations Association Film Festival Screening
October 23 at 4:30pm
Mitchell Park Community Center, Palo Alto, CA
Join us for a compelling 30-minute film about San Francisco civil rights attorney Wayne M. Collins, who fiercely defended the rights of over 5,000 Japanese Americans who renounced their citizenship during their imprisonment at Tule Lake Segregation Center—the most notorious of America’s WWII concentration camps. This powerful documentary also explores Collins’s advocacy for Fred Korematsu and Iva Toguri, revealing his relentless fight for justice and the Constitution. Don’t miss this deep dive into one of the pivotal yet lesser-known narratives of American legal history.
Ninth Circuit Historical Society Program Screening
October 16 at 5:30pm
Kennedy Learning Center, Sacramento, CA
Join us for a profound exploration of the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII with “One Fighting Irishman.” This program, sponsored by the Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society, the Eastern District of California Historical Society, the Sacramento FBA, and Pacific McGeorge School of Law, highlights the valiant efforts of attorney Wayne Collins. Collins defended the rights of figures like Fred Korematsu and “Tokyo Rose,” and 5,000 other Japanese Americans coerced into renouncing their U.S. citizenship. After the film, engage in a discussion with Sharon Yamato and Frank Abe, author of the award-winning manga “We Hereby Refuse.” Don’t miss the chance to view the related exhibition at the Kennedy Learning Center post-screening!
Japanese American Confinement Sites Consortium Screening
October 6 at 9:00am
Tateuchi Auditorium, Japanese American History Museum, Los Angeles, CA
Join us on October 6th at 9 AM at Tateuchi Auditorium, Japanese American National Museum, for a screening of “One Fighting Irishman.” This compelling documentary highlights Wayne Collins’s dedicated defense of Japanese Americans’ rights during WWII. Following the film, engage in a panel discussion led by filmmaker Sharon Yamato with prominent activists Hiroshi Shimizu, Kyoko Oda, and Frank Abe. These individuals will explore their unique contributions to preserving Japanese American history. This free public event is especially significant for Tule Lake descendants and anyone interested in American civil rights history. Don’t miss this chance to connect with profound narratives of courage and advocacy.
https://www.janm.org/events/2024-10-04/2024-jacsc-education-conference
Klamath Falls Film Festival
September 27 at 6:30pm
Ross Ragland Theater, Klamath Falls, OR
Join us on September 27th at 6:30 PM at the Ross Ragland Theater for the Klamath Falls Film Festival! Don’t miss the opportunity to watch “One Fighting Irishman,” a documentary that shines a light on the heroic legal battles fought by Wayne Collins during WWII. This screening is a must-see for those passionate about history and the pursuit of justice. For more details about the festival and tickets, click the link below.
Free Screening at San Francisco Main Library
September 21 at 2:00pm
Koret Auditorium, San Francisco, CA
On September 21st, the San Francisco Public Library’s Koret Auditorium is hosting a viewing of “One Fighting Irishman.” The event will feature discussions with Wayne Merrill Collins, son of attorney Wayne M. Collins, historian Charles Wollenberg, and Hiroshi Shimizu, president of the Tule Lake Committee. It’s an excellent opportunity to gain deeper insights into the historical contexts explored in the film.
https://sfpl.org/events/2024/09/21/film-one-fighting-irishman
Tule Lake Pilgrimage Private Screening
July 7 (Opening Program)
Tule Lake Segregation Center, Tule Lake, CA
We are honored to present the screening of “One Fighting Irishman” on July 7th, an event that marks the opening of the Tule Lake Pilgrimage. This private screening, featuring the notable presence of George Takei, will delve into the profound narratives surrounding Tule Lake and its historical significance. While this event is private, we are excited to open up the pilgrimage to those who have pre-registered and are looking forward to sharing this meaningful experience with you.
HAAPIFEST Film Festival
June 8 at 2:00pm
DoubleTree by Hilton, Room 2, Houston, TX
“One Fighting Irishman” will be at the HAAPI Film Festival on June 8th in Houston. Join us at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Room 2, to explore the profound story of a remarkable figure who fought tirelessly for justice. This screening is a great opportunity to delve into historical narratives that resonate today. Don’t miss out on engaging discussions and the chance to connect with fellow documentary enthusiasts.
San Francisco Documentary Festival
June 2 at 8:00pm
Roxie Theater House 1, San Francisco, CA
“One Fighting Irishman” is coming to the San Francisco Documentary Festival this June 2nd at the iconic Roxie Theater. Experience a cinematic journey into the life of a man whose unwavering commitment to justice changed countless lives. Join us for this exclusive screening and stay afterward for a Q&A session where we’ll dive deeper into the film’s themes and historical context. Don’t miss this enriching evening of film and discussion in San Francisco.
https://sfpl.org/events/2024/06/29/film-one-fighting-irishman
VC Film Festival
May 3 at 3:00pm
100 N Central Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
We warmly invite all descendants of the Tule Lake camp and more to an exclusive screening of our documentary, “One Fighting Irishman,” at the VC Film Fest. This powerful film tells the story of attorney Wayne M. Collins who heroically rescued over 5,000 individuals who had renounced their citizenship while detained at Tule Lake. The screening will take place on May 3, 2024, at 3:00 PM at the VC Film Festival. Families connected to Tule Lake owe a great debt to Collins’ efforts. Don’t miss this important event—
https://vcfilmfest2024.eventive.org/schedule/manzanar-to-tule-lake-66138f73819db20041f791b0
Meet the Filmmakers of Remembrance – Sharon Yamato and Yuriko Gamo Romer – Nichi Bei Foundation
Sharon’s film “One fighting Irishman” focuses on the story of Attorney Wayne M. Collins, whose defense of the Constitution drove him to spend 23 years representing Japanese Americans who renounced their American citizenship while imprisoned at the embattled Tule Lake Segregation Center.
Yuriko’s film “Baseball behind Barbed Wire” is a look of the WWII incarceration of Japanese Americans, through the uncommon yet popular lens of baseball.
The Paths of Most Resistance During Wartime Relocation – Nichi Bei News
Sharon Yamato tells the story of Wayne M. Collins in “One Fighting Irishman” (2023, 30 min.), a new short documentary remembering the life and accomplishments of Collins, a maverick civil rights attorney who defended thousands of Japanese Americans from deportations, as well as charges of treason in the case of Iva Toguri.
