Projects
Crossroads in Nihonmachi - Resistance, Reflections and Renewal
(Scheduled for completion Fall 2006)
For Japanese Americans in San Francisco’s Japantown (or Nihonmachi), the 1960s and 1970s represent an era of dramatic upheaval, resistance and renewal. Second in impact only to the forced evacuations during World War II, it was a time when friendships were dispersed and stakes driven deeply to divide a fragile community.

This is a video documentary about Nihonmachi during the early 1970s. Stories will be told through a dozen individuals and a roundtable forum of those who were on opposite sides during those turbulent years. Detailed historical materials will explain what happened not only in Nihonmachi but throughout the country. While this story is specific to one community during a finite period, the issues it faced are cyclical throughout history so that future generations will take note.

It was a time when the war in Vietnam was fought with such fervor not only in Asia but here at home; when the civil rights movement went from the rural South to every urban inner-city street; when the identity of who we were and what this community represented were questioned with surprising frankness and sometimes, frustration. Nihonmachi argued and contested the effects of national and international issues on the community. Residents and businesses were afflicted by the local catalysts that forced this community to evacuate again, redefine itself and fight for its own survival. No doubt, everyone loved this community; they just had different answers for the same questions.

Most importantly, these are the stories of a thousand voices – voices that belong to all of us.

La Tierra Prometida (The Promise Land)
One morning during commute hours in 2002, Roberto Hernandez was the victim of a prank phone call from a “gay friend” that changed his life. On national radio, he was victimized by a senseless shock jock that would devastate his life for the next two years. With support from friends and now gaining enough strength to fight back for what was a clear violation of his civil rights, Roberto filed a lawsuit against the radio network.

In 2005, he won two counts of his court battle becoming the first gay Latino male to take a sexual harassment case to arbitration against a large corporation. His victory created a precedent within the media. He is currently fighting to keep his case in the public eye and spread his message through his non-profit, GLUCH (Gay y Lesbianas Unidos Contra la Homophobia). This is the story of his struggle to fight against persecution here in the United States and around the world.

¿Donde está la tierra prometida?

La Tierra Prometida addresses a worldwide oppression of gay communities. We address specifically Latino cultures where a conservative upbringing reinforced with machismo has made outing oneself a life threatening decision. Unfortunately, such problems are not exclusive of other places and cultures but it is even found in San Francisco, a city considered a gay capital. We work to address the fact that locally, there is much to be done because Roberto’s experiences of rejection and mistreatment due to his sexual orientation in Mexico reoccurred during his years in the United States. Urban VOICE feels it is important to take the lead in addressing this sentiment of discrimination and abuse.

It is time; enough is enough.

Parking Lot Theater
Even among those of us involved with film and video specializing in social justice issues, it’s not always easy to have a theater to present our work or for those we support. So, we’ve invested into what we call our “Parking Lot Theater” a first-rate projection and sound system for use outdoors. In our regular venue, our “Parking Lot Theater” resides just outside of our ground level office. We section off the parking lot with tiki lamps, wait until the sky darkens and viola! Just like the old drive-in movies except you bring a lawn chair, blanket, some snacks and maybe a good wine. Neighbors, friends and supporters are invited to check out new works as well as some great independent and commercial movies. If you’re not on the email list, then send your email address to info@urbanvoice.org.