Day of Independence (film)

A 2003 short dramatic film about one Japanese American family's World War II experience in an American concentration camp, told through the narration of a young baseball player, whose life is traumatically altered by the forced removal and his father's decision to expatriate back to Japan. The screenplay is based on the real-life experiences of playwright and executive producer Tim Toyama's family and adapted from a play Toyama wrote entitled "Independence Day".

Day of Independence was directed by Chris Tashima, produced by Cedar Grove Productions, and written by Chris Tashima and Tim Toyama. It stars Derek Mio, Marcus Toji, Alan Muraoka, Chris Tashima, and Keiko Kawashima. The film was recognized with an Emmy Nomination at the 35th Northern California Emmy Awards as well as numerous awards including the CINE Golden Eagle, Spring 2004; Best Narrative Short Film, Tambay Film Festival, 2004; Award of Excellence, 2004 Accolade Competition; Jury Award, Best Short, Stony Brook Film Festival, 2004; Jury Award Gold, 1st Prize, Crested Butte Reel Festival, 2004; and Platinum Best of Show, Short Film, The Aurora Awards, 2004.

Might also like American Pastime (2007); Diamonds in the Rough: Zeni and the Legacy of Japanese-American Baseball (1999); Stand Up For Justice: The Ralph Lazo Story (2004)