"Godzilla Attacks LA: Asian American Film and Video Makers" Symposium at Japanese American National Museum May 16

The Japanese American National Museum presents an insightful and unique discussion entitled “Godzilla Attacks LA: Asian American Film and Video Makers” on Sunday, May 16 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Scheduled to appear is a distinguished panel of film, video makers, critics, educators, and activists who will discuss the issues surrounding the recent surge in the number of feature films by Asian American filmmakers in Hollywood. Included on the panel will be Jessica Yu, Spencer Nakasako, and Walt Louie. Reservations are required for this program.

In recent years, Hollywood has experienced a small number of distinguished features produced by Asian American filmmakers. “Godzilla Attacks LA” will discuss how the lack of mainstream recognition for these artists and their work has paralleled the (lack of) mainstream success of other films, video shorts, and documentaries in the Hollywood industry and the future of the media arts. Participants on the panel discussion include Spencer Nakasako, director of A.K.A. Don Bonus and Kelley Loves Tony; film editor Walt Louie; and Jessica Yu, director of Breathing Lessons and The Living Museum, the latter which will be screened at this years Visual Communications’ Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film and Video Festival.

“Godzilla Attacks LA” is a public program for the highly-praised, breakthrough art exhibition, Bruce and Norman Yonemoto: Memory, Matter and Modern Romance, which is currently on display in three gallery spaces at the Japanese American National Museum until July 11. The symposium is co-sponsored by the Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film and Video Festival and Visual Communications, and is free with admission to the Museum. For reservations, call the Museum at 213.625.0414. Admission to the Museum is $6 for Adults, $5 for Seniors, $3 for Students and free for Members and Children under 5. The Japanese American National Museum is lcoated at 369 East First Street in Little Tokyo, downtown Los Angeles.