KCET Commemorates Asian Pacific American Heritage and Jewish Heritage Month
The month of May gives us a chance to celebrate Asian Pacific-American heritage and Jewish heritage. Look below to see what special programming KCET will be airing in celebration and commemoration of these cultures.
Saturday, May 11 @ 11:30PM -- "West Encounters East"
The Brazilian capital of Sao Paulo hosts the largest Japanese population outside of Japan. Within this little-known niche - the result of a century-old diaspora - lies a thriving arts community. WEST ENCOUNTERS EAST explores the unique fusion of Eastern and Western artistic traditions in the works of well-known and emerging Japanese-Brazilian artists. The documentary examines their lifestyles, traditions, culture and art while exploring the themes of immigration, dual identity, alienation and assimilation in their work.Art historian and collector Stella M. Holmes guides viewers through Brazil's art world, introducing the artists and discussing their modes of expression and creative processes.
Monday, May 13 @ 10PM -- "Hula: The Language of the Heart"
The Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, a four-day competition and exhibition often referred to as the "Olympics of Hula," showcases the elegance, power and storytelling richness of this ancient art form. The program, which highlights the 2012 festival winners, presents an entertaining yet thought-provoking look at hula's role in the past, present and future of the Hawaiian people.
Saturday, May 18 @ 9:00PM -- "Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg"
"Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg" is a humorous and eye-opening story of television pioneer Gertrude Berg, the creator, principal writer, and star of The Goldbergs. After a popular 17-year run on radio, The Goldbergs became television's very first character-driven domestic sitcom in 1949. The TV series ran until 1956, starring Berg in the central role as Molly, the big-hearted, stay-at-home mother of a Jewish family. Each episode captured their ordinary, daily life with all the ups and downs present in most families. The documentary features wonderful clips from The Goldbergs, archival footage from Berg's childhood and revealing interviews with people who knew her best. "Yoo-Hoo, Mrs. Goldberg" is an insightful, entertaining portrait of one of television's great pioneers.
Saturday, May 18 @ 10:30PM -- "Honor Bound: A Personal Journey"
In this award-winning documentary Wendy Hanamura explores the history of her father's military unit; Company L, First Platoon, of the U. S. Army's 442nd Regiment. These Japanese-American soldiers fought with legendary courage during World War I I, while their families were forced into internment camps at home. Veterans recount the 442nd's rescue of the "Lost Battalion", an operation the Army calls one of the top ten battles of all time. Produced and directed by Joan Saffa.
Tuesday, May 21 @ 10PM -- "Heart Mountain: An All American Town"
The story of the children who were interned at the WWII Japanese internment camp in bleak, cold Heart Mountain, Wyoming. Now in their 80s, these former prisoners share their memories and photographs. Contains archival government films.
Wednesday, May 22 @ 8:00PM -- "The Power of Two"
Inspired by their 2007 memoir, The Power Of Two offers an intimate portrayal of the bond between half-Japanese twin sisters Anabel Stenzel and Isabel Stenzel Byrnes, their battle with the fatal genetic disease cystic fibrosis (CF) and miraculous survival through double lung transplants. Defying all odds, Ana and Isa have emerged as authors, athletes and global advocates for organ donation, and their connection to the CF and transplant communities provides rare insight into the struggles -- and overlooked joys -- of chronic illness.