Tadashi Nakamura
Documentary Filmmaker, Educator Activist
https://www.youtube.com/@tadillac1
Full Interview with Tadashi Nakamura
Inspiration through Activism:
CATS: What inspired you to pursue filmmaking, especially focusing on Asian American and Japanese American stories?
Tadashi: I didn't grow up in the arts despite both of my parents being documentary filmmakers. My parents never pressured me to follow their path. My introduction to filmmaking actually came through activism. In high school, I was involved in a youth group called Yellow Brotherhood, where our mentors helped us understand the world around us through a community and political lens. By the time I went to UCLA, I was fully immersed in Asian American Studies and student activism. That’s when I discovered how art, especially film, could be a powerful tool for activism. I took my dad’s ethno-communications class, which was a documentary film class for non-filmmakers, and realized I wanted to use film to tell stories that could inspire social change.
Advice on Translating Activism into Art:
CATS: What advice would you give to youth today about translating their experiences into activism and art?
Tadashi: I’m really grateful for the political grounding I received through Yellow Brotherhood and my ethnic studies classes. It's important to know your own history and the history of your community to understand what's happening around you. That personal connection makes it easier to relate to and support other communities.
My advice to young people today is to learn about the struggles and stories of your community. When you understand your own history, it becomes easier to connect the dots and see the parallels in other communities, which can fuel your art and activism.
Importance of Education:
CATS: How important was your education in Asian American Studies and Social Documentation in your filmmaking?
Tadashi: My education was huge in shaping my filmmaking. Being an Asian American Studies major helped me understand the political and historical aspects of my community. It wasn't just theoretical for me because I had grown up with those lived experiences in the Japanese American community. For me, the combination of lived experience and ethnic studies education brought depth to my understanding of community. My focus has always been more on the content rather than just the form of the film. That's why I went to the Social Documentation program at UC Santa Cruz, where I could work on documentaries that were not just art but also tools for social change.
Challenges in Filmmaking:
CATS: What challenges have you faced in choosing a career in filmmaking, especially as an Asian American?
Tadashi: "The biggest challenge is the financial aspect. The arts are often underfunded, and the question always comes up: How will you make a living? I think many people believe that the only way to have a career in filmmaking is to work in Hollywood. I had the privilege of knowing about an alternative path through my parents and the Little Tokyo community. I knew there were Asian American filmmakers who were creating community-based work outside the Hollywood system. Knowing that there was a path already blazed for me made it less daunting, but not everyone has that exposure."
Advice for Young Filmmakers and Parents:
CATS: What advice would you give young filmmakers and their parents to overcome the fear of pursuing a career in the arts?
Tadashi: For young filmmakers, I would say, trust in your passion and tell the stories that are meaningful to you. You might feel like you have to make films that will sell, but the most fulfilling work usually comes from telling stories you feel responsible to tell. For parents, I’d say it's important to support your child's passion. They might not make a lot of money, but if it gives them purpose and fulfillment, that's what's going to sustain them in the long run. Fulfillment can often carry you further than financial success."
Balancing the Financial Aspects of Filmmaking:
CATS: How do you balance the financial aspects of being a documentary filmmaker?
Tadashi: You have to be willing to hustle, take side gigs, and make sacrifices. For me, it's about serving the community. If you're committed to something larger than yourself, the community will support you. When you do it for the right reasons, you'll find that community backing can help sustain you even when financial resources are scarce. It's not about making money, but rather about having a purpose that keeps you going.
Common Misconceptions about Filmmaking:
CATS: What are some common misconceptions about being a filmmaker that you wish you knew when you started?
Tadashi: I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that filmmaking gets easier as you gain more experience. Each film is different and presents its own set of challenges. It's not like you reach a point where everything becomes smooth sailing. I used to think that if I 'made it,' things would get easier, but every new project has its own difficulties. That’s part of the process, and it’s what keeps things exciting. It's also important not to worry too much about your career trajectory. Focus on the project you’re working on now, and let the future unfold organically.
Balancing Creative Work with Personal Life:
CATS: How do you balance your creative work with your personal life as a filmmaker, educator, husband, and parent?
Tadashi: "Honestly, I’m still figuring that out. It’s a constant challenge. But I believe that being a parent, husband, son, and community member provides experiences and emotions that directly influence my work. Filmmaking is important, but I have to keep it in perspective. At the end of the day, it’s just a movie. There are things in life that are more important, like family and relationships."
Advice for Parents Supporting Filmmaker Kids:
CATS: What advice would you give to parents on how they can best support their child’s interest in filmmaking?
Tadashi: "As a parent, I understand the vulnerability that comes with it, especially when it comes to concerns about mental health. If your child finds fulfillment and joy in filmmaking, that’s something worth supporting. We've seen cases where kids do everything 'right,' but they’re still unfulfilled. If filmmaking is what gives your child a sense of purpose and confidence, then support that passion. For me, my kids' mental health and happiness are more important than what college they get into or how much money they make."
Navigating the Film Industry:
CATS: The film industry is complex and competitive. What advice would you give young filmmakers seeking mentors in this field?
Tadashi: My advice is to really know what's out there. In today's digital world, we have access to so much, but it can also be overwhelming. It's important to understand the history of your community, the genre of films you want to make, and the people who came before you. This knowledge helps you realize you’re not alone and provides a foundation to build upon. Once you find a mentor, you have to be willing to put in the work. A mentor's guidance is valuable, but it becomes a waste of time if you're not committed to applying their advice. When I’ve sought mentors, I made sure to match their time and effort with my own dedication to learn and grow.
Creating a Sustainable Career:
CATS: What does it take to create a sustainable career in documentary filmmaking?
Tadashi: "It requires a lot of grit, adaptability, and a willingness to make sacrifices. You need to be scrappy and resourceful, often taking on day jobs and side gigs to make ends meet. For me, a sustainable career has also been about serving the community. When you're driven by something larger than yourself, the community will support you when commercial opportunities dry up. You have to stay true to your purpose and be prepared to work hard. It's not always easy, but the fulfillment you get from doing meaningful work can sustain you in ways that money alone cannot."
The Role of Personal Fulfillment:
CATS: What has been the most fulfilling part of your filmmaking journey, and how can young filmmakers find personal fulfillment in their work?
Tadashi: "The most fulfilling part for me has been telling stories that matter to my community and seeing the impact they have. There’s a deep sense of purpose in knowing that my work resonates with others and contributes to a larger conversation. For young filmmakers, personal fulfillment often comes from making films that are true to your own experiences and passions. Don't worry about what others think will sell or what the industry expects. Instead, focus on the stories that you feel called to tell. When your work is meaningful to you, it will often resonate with others as well. That connection and sense of purpose are what will keep you going, especially during the challenging times.