Screenings
Minnesota History Center Screening
Febuary 19, 2026 at 6 PM
345 W. Kellog Bld., St. Paul, MN 55102
Join us at the Twin Cities premiere of One Fighting Irishman! This film tells the story of Wayne M. Collins, who spent 23 years defending the rights of over 5,500 Japanese Americans forced to renounce their citizenship at the Tule Lake Segregation Center. There will also be a post-screening panel with Sharon Yamato, Wayne Merril Collins, Hiroshi Shimizu, and Carol Reitz.
The Japanese American Citizens League is a national membership organization dedicated to securing and maintaining the human and civil rights of Americans who have been victimized by injustice. The Twin Cities chapter, founded in 1946, has served its community for decades through advocacy, education, and ongoing efforts to advance equity and protect civil liberties.
San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin Screening
January 10, 2026 at 2 PM
640 N 5th St, San Jose, CA 95112
Join us at the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin (SJBCB) for a screening of One Fighting Irishman, hosted by J‑Town Community TV. The program includes a panel moderated by Vickie Taketa, featuring Sadako Kashiwagi, Hiroshi Shimizu, Wayne Merrill Collins, Will Kaku, Susan Hayase, and filmmaker Sharon Yamato, who will share family histories and perspectives on civil liberties advocacy.
This event supports the SJBCB Dharma Center. Founded in 1902, the SJBCB continues to honor its Japanese heritage while welcoming all community members regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, age, or religious background.
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California Screening
August 10, 2025 at 2 PM
1840 Sutter St Hall 1st, San Francisco, CA 94115
Join us at the Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California (JCCCNC) in San Francisco for a free screening of One Fighting Irishman. This film follows the story of Wayne M. Collins and his fight to protect the rights of over 5,500 Japanese Americans at the Tule Lake Segregation Center. A post-film panel will feature guest panelists Wayne Merrill Collins, Hiroshi Shimizu, and Sadako Kashiwagi.
The JCCCNC, which serves over 185,000 community members each year through its cultural, educational, and social programs, continues its mission to preserve and promote Japanese and Japanese American heritage through events like this one.
College of Southern Idaho Screening
July 11, 2025 at 2:30 PM
College of Southern Idaho, 315 Falls Ave, Twin Falls, ID 83301
Join us at the Minidoka Pilgrimage, a powerful gathering of remembrance where former incarcerees, their families, and allies return to Minidoka and other sites used as incarceration camps during World War II. As part of this year’s program, there will be a special screening of One Fighting Irishman, which shares the story of attorney Wayne M. Collins and his decades‑long fight to defend the rights of more than 5,000 Japanese Americans who were held under extreme duress at the Tule Lake Segregation Center.
San Diego Central Library Screening
July 1, 2025 at 5:30 PM
San Diego Central Library, 330 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101
Join us at the AjA Project’s 25th Anniversary Celebration for a special screening of One Fighting Irishman, a documentary that explores Wayne M. Collins’s decades‑long fight to protect the rights of more than 5,000 Japanese Americans. The celebration also features a powerful exhibition created by this year’s youth cohort, showcasing a large‑scale pop‑up book enhanced with augmented reality that reflects on Executive Order 9066 and its enduring impact on communities today.
Blue Mouse Theatre Screening
June 29, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Blue Mouse Theatre, 2611 N Proctor St, Tacoma, WA 98407
Join us at the 2025 Zion International Film Festival for a screening of One Fighting Irishman, the powerful documentary that chronicles attorney Wayne M. Collins’s decades‑long fight to restore the U.S. citizenship of more than 5,500 Japanese Americans coerced into renouncing it while incarcerated at the Tule Lake Segregation Center. This six‑day festival celebrates independent filmmaking from around the world with a focus on stories of redemption, beauty, hope, creativity, and the human experience.
Producers Club Theater Screening
June 7, 2025 at 9 PM
Producers Club Theater, 358 W 44th St, New York, NY 10036
Join us at the 2025 NYC Independent Film Festival to experience the remarkable story of Wayne M. Collins and his fight to defend the rights of Japanese Americans. This week‑long festival showcases films from independent creators around the world and offers a rich lineup of educational panels and workshops led by industry professionals. It’s an ideal opportunity to support emerging filmmakers, learn from experts, and connect with a vibrant creative community.
Blaine Memorial Methodist Church Screening
May 29, 2025 at 6 PM
Blaine Memorial Methodist Church, 3001 24th Avenue S, Seattle, WA 98144
Join us at Blaine Memorial Methodist Church for a special screening of One Fighting Irishman, hosted by Densho. This compelling documentary follows attorney Wayne M. Collins, whose tireless legal work sought justice for more than 5,500 Japanese American detainees who were pressured into renouncing their U.S. citizenship while incarcerated at the Tule Lake Segregation Center.
The evening will open with a short film by Glenn Mitsui and conclude with a Q&A featuring the creators of both works, offering a rare opportunity to engage directly with the filmmakers and deepen your understanding of these powerful stories.
Lynwood Theatre Screening
May 28, 2025 at 6 PM
Lynwood Theatre, 4569 Lynwood Center Rd, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Join us for Japanese Heritage Night at the historic Lynwood Theater, featuring a special screening of One Fighting Irishman. This powerful film traces the work of attorney Wayne M. Collins, who filed lawsuits on behalf of more than 5,500 Japanese American detainees who had renounced their U.S. citizenship under the extreme pressures of incarceration at the Tule Lake Segregation Center.
Following the screening, stay for a post‑film panel with director Sharon Yamato, Clarence Moriwaki, and additional guests. The evening will open with a presentation from the Suyematsu Farm Legacy Alliance and live music, creating a rich celebration of history, resilience, and community.
Seattle University Heights Center Screening
April 11, 2025 at 12:30 PM
University Heights Center, 5031 University Wy NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Join us on the third day of the 2025 Social Justice Film Festival in Seattle for a powerful documentary that examines citizenship, forced deportation, and the ongoing fight for justice. Hosted by the University Heights Center, the film tells the story of attorney Wayne M. Collins, who spent more than two decades restoring the U.S. citizenship of over 5,500 Japanese Americans during WWII.
This five‑day festival showcases more than 60 films that illuminate overlooked histories and build a vibrant community committed to social justice. Throughout the event, audiences will also hear from international guests and engage in panel discussions that connect local experiences to global issues.
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.
