FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Production Begins on Documentary Feature Film Kiku’s Legacy in Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan, Chicago, IL, New York, NY, February 2, 2023 (kikulegacy.com)
On February 3, 2023, production will officially commence for the feature-length documentary film Kiku’s Legacy. The film is a historical examination of the making of the 1959 film “Kiku to Isamu,” which was created in response to the birth of thousands of mixed-race children of the American Occupation Forces. The film delves into the lives of the two child actors in the original film, Takahashi Emiko and George Okunuyama, 63 years later and provides answers to the questions raised in 1959 about the challenges faced by mixed-race children fitting into Japanese society.
Kiku’s Legacy is produced and directed by Tokyo-based Deborah Ann DeSnoo, along with Chicago co-producers Floyd Webb and Yuki Solomon. Executive produced by Karol Martesko-Fenster, the film is slated as an international co-production. Kiku’s Legacy will also feature sections on the original film’s director, Tadashi Imai, female writer Mizuki Yoko, and the famous actress Kitabayashi Tanie. In addition, the film will tell the story of foreign correspondent Ethel Payne, the first black woman journalist for the Chicago Defender who reported from Japan during the Occupation.
The production commences during the Setsubun Festival in Tokyo, adding to the cultural significance of the film. The documentary will provide a unique and valuable perspective on the issues faced by mixed-race children in Japan and will serve as a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
With an international co-production team, the film will provide a unique perspective on the impact of mixed race children of war on Japanese society and the world at large.
For more information, please contact talktous@kikulegacy.com
About Deborah Ann DeSnoo
Deborah Ann DeSnoo is a filmmaker and director based in Tokyo. DeSnoo has established herself as a prominent voice in documentary filmmaking. Deborah She is known for Women Do Sushi (2020), Skeletons in the Closet (2010),and Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire (2004).
About Floyd Webb and Yuki Solomon
Floyd Webb and Yuki Solomon are Chicago-based producers known for their work in film and television. Their unique perspectives and expertise have contributed to the success of numerous projects.
About Karol Martesko-Fenster
Karol Martesko-Fenster has produced over three dozen award-winning films and his career covers decades of pioneering leadership in the American independent film sector.