Resettlement to Redress (2005)

RESETTLEMENT TO REDRESS takes a close look at the long and difficult journey Japanese Americans faced as they transitioned from being forcibly removed from their homes and imprisoned in concentration camps during World War II, to readjustment to society upon their release. Some never returned to their previous homes, settling instead in other parts of the U.S., including Salt Lake City, Denver, and Seabrook, New Jersey. As many tried to bravely move forward, taking advantage of new career choices and educational opportunities, racism and memories of the past were never far away, even as they sought to assimilate themselves into American culture. Eventually though, pilgrimages to relocation centers and the empowering activist climate of the 1960s played a key role in bringing people together, building increasing momentum to seek redress from the U.S. government. This moving documentary digs deep to uncover the hardship, struggle, and emotional toll that internment inflicted upon generations of Japanese Americans. Intimate interviews with internees and family members of internees, as well as notable political leaders Daniel Inouye, Bob Matsui, Doris Matsui and Norman Minteta help trace the long journey from pain to peace, disillusionment to hope, disrespect to recognition, and ultimately, resettlement to redress. Extra features explore Japanese American life in WWII internment camps and a candid chat with producer Don Young.