Registration is not required to browse the site, track audience buzz, and learn about the festival. If you choose to register, you can create a personal festival calendar, rate and review films, and receive updates about upcoming screenings.
It appears that your browser has JavaScript disabled or Your browser may not support JavaScript! This may cause some limitations and problems in the application work.
TRANSCENDING: THE WAT MISAKA STORY is a documentary film about Wat Misaka, the first Asian American pro basketball player. A Nissei who was born, raised and is still living in Salt Lake City Utah, he was the very first draft pick of the New York Knicks, in 1947. Overcoming the national political climate during World War II, Wat was a star player for the University of Utah 1944 and 1947 championship teams, taking 2 years off in between to serve in the U.S. Army. His perseverance and loyalty to his teammates, other Nissei friends (including those interned at Topaz) and his family, are a testament to the unflappable Japanese American spirit. This film includes in depth interviews with Wat and his family, teammates from his championship teams (including Arnie Ferrin, Herb Wilkinson, Fred Lewis and Glynn Peterson), sports authorities, and many who continue to look up to him as both a role model and personal hero. The film also has video clips from his 1944 and 1947 college games, rare footage from a visit to the Topaz Internment Camp, and countless photos of his triumphant career. Co-directed by award-winning filmmakers Bruce Johnson and Christine Toy Johnson, this project was awarded two consecutive grants from the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program.
people who liked this also liked
Like it? Share it with friends
people who added this also added
105 people viewed this page
