Doc Recommendation: Omoiyari (2022)
Selecting only one film for AAPI Heritage Month seems like a missed opportunity. And while there are dozens of amazing films that showcase the experiences of Asian American and indigenous Pacific Islanders, I wanted to share this particular film as a reflection of what we saw in Downwind (2023) — a failure of the US government that cost the lives of thousands of innocent victims.
Omoiyari follows musician Kaoru Ishibashi, professionally known as Kishi Bashi, as he travels the US sites of Japanese internment camps that imprisoned 120,000 Americans of Japanese descent for fear of espionage during the second World War.
Watch the trailer
When a media interview links the muslim ban and the immigration crisis at the USA-Mexico border with the incarceration of Japanese-Americans during WWII, Ishibashi goes on a journey to learn about this history and its relevance. Along the way, he improvises and writes music in an effort to better understand his own identity as a bi-cultural American. Using never before seen archival footage from the camps, mixed with breathtaking visual storytelling, Kaoru weaves a story using history, music and current events to create a portrait of America from the perspective of someone caught between two worlds.
Omoyari is a stunning film, both visually and sonically, blending interviews with music performances inspired by each of the internment camp locations. The film also showcase’s Kaoru’s journey as a musician, introducing his audience to his heritage through performance.
How to watch Omoiyari
One reason why this film wasn’t selected as May’s documentary of the month is because it is only available to stream on Paramount+. For nonsubscribers, there is a one week free trial. Walmart+ members also get Paramount+ included with their subscription. According to a reliable source, the code THECHI gets you 50% off a year subscription to Paramount+. Omoiyari’s distributors and producers have confirmed to me that it is unlikely that the film will stream on other platforms.
Please visit OmoyariSongFilm.com for more information. Tour dates on the website unfortunately aren’t current.
Discuss!
If you have a chance to watch the film, drop a note in the comment thread on this post.
Listen to Kishi Bashi
Kishi Bashi’s music is available on all music streaming platforms.
Listen on Apple Music | Listen on Spotify
Origin Story
There’s still time to watch and discuss Origin Story for free! Check out this post for more information.
