World Uchinaanchu Day | Mini Film Festival (Hybrid)

Date: Nov. 2, 2024

Time: 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.

---

Featuring short-form projects by Ryūkyūan filmmakers and artists in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Hawai‘i, Peru, and the United States, these projects offer unique perspectives that span the diasporic experiences of Ryūkyūans around the world. (English subtitles provided for non-English projects)

IN PERSON AND ONLINE! Admission is free, but RSVP required due to limited seating: tinyurl.com/oaa-wud-24



---



“Let us set off, to the five continents we will call home.”

These powerful words were said over a century ago by Kyūzō Tōyama, historically known as the grandfather of Okinawan immigration.

In honor of the first Okinawan emigrants who fearlessly traveled across the world, the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) in Gardena, California, will host a mini film festival as part of their annual World Uchinaanchu Day celebration on November 2 (Saturday), 4 - 6 p.m. Admission is free, but RSVP required due to limited seating: tinyurl.com/oaa-wud-24, (310) 532-1929. Long distance guests can join online via Zoom.

Featuring short-form projects by Ryūkyūan filmmakers and artists in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Hawai‘i, Peru, and the United States, these projects offer unique perspectives that span the diasporic experiences of Ryūkyūans around the world. (English subtitles provided for non-English projects)

At the closing ceremony of the 6th Worldwide Uchinaanchu Taikai (2016) in Naha, Okinawa – a massive global “homecoming” for the Okinawan diaspora – the late Governor Takeshi Onaga officially declared October 30 as “World Uchinaanchu Day”. The idea was proposed by Andres Higa and Tadashi Andres Ysa Urbina, third-generation Okinawan descendants from Argentina and Peru, respectively. This date was selected because the Taikai takes place at the end of October every five years.

The OAA Center is located at 16500 S. Western Ave., Gardena 90247. Limited on-site parking accessible behind the buildings off 165th Place. The event will be in the Yamauchi Building, the facility located nearest the gate. The Zoom link will be emailed to RSVP’d guests on the day of the event (please check your spam or promotions folder just in case).

Awarded as one of 2023’s California Nonprofits of the Year, the Okinawa Association of America, Inc. (OAA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and promoting Okinawan culture. Formed by first generation Okinawan immigrants, the OAA has grown into a multi-generational organization that hosts numerous events throughout the year including cultural lectures, performances, social gatherings, and senior-focused activities. 2024 marks the organization’s 115th anniversary as well as the 25th anniversary of the OAA Center in Gardena. For updates, please visit www.oaamensore.org or follow @oaamensore on Facebook/Instagram.

---