clairemix.com

A SUCCESSFUL TRIP TO DENVER FOR THE DOCUMENTARY AT THE JAPANESE AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES CONFERENCE!!!

I met and spoke long with Norm Mineta, and George Takei and Brad Altman… see the pic, don’t i look like I’m in heaven!!

I met and interviewed MANY former Gila internees. What’s funny is many already knew who I was, and about the documentary. The word is definitely getting out, and donations coming in.

We cried and laughed together. One group from Manzinar Camp adopted me as part of their family, it was unbelievable! Some wept as they watched the demo of Mom’s interviews. One woman hugged me so tight, and said “arigato” over, and over – it means “thank you”. ありがとうございました

A big article about Mom and Gila was just printed in the Los Angeles paper The Pacific Citizen. It is posted here.

A HUGE thank you to the Gila River Reunion Committee: Hy Shishino, and Ben Tanooka, for helping me get there!!! And to my assistants Joanie Chew and Michael Tann.

Claire

From July 1- 7 Claire will be attending the Japanese-American Civil Liberties Conference in Denver CO. There she will meet and interviw former internees and a host of Japanese American political figures, and in the entertainment industry, such as Goerge Takei.

Claire feels very fortunate to have been invited to attend; thanks to the help of Heyeo Shishino, Ben Tanooka, and Charles Class.
related: Conference web site

Dear friends,

I am pleased to announce that I am the recipient of the CCLPEP California State Grant for my documentary “Gila River and Mama.”

Hayao Shishino, President of the Gila River Historical Committee, is actively working to gain more funds for this project, which he believes is of great historical importance.

My heart felt thanks to Gita Kaphai, and Delta Mello, for their long hours donated to write the grant. Big thanks to JD Warrick and his countless hours updating the website. Thank you to executive producer, Charles Class for my introduction TransVideo studios, and to Tanya Flint, for the many emails she’s typed for me (and will continue to type).

Production has already begun…

The Japanese American National Museum has invited me to attend their nation convention in early July. There, I will meet and interview many surviving internees. After that, myself, Hayao Shishino, Ben Tanooka, Charles Class (and a film crew), will be visiting the actual Gila River site and monument, in Arizona.

Thank you all for your consistent support and positive wishes. Without your encouragement and love this project would have remained on the shelf.

Respectfully,
Claire Mix