After being canceled due to the Maui wildfire last year, the Zentoku Foundation’s “Paper Chase” (2021) documentary will make its Maui premiere at the Maui Nisei Veterans Memorial Center (NVMC) at 665 Kahului Beach Road, on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 1:30 p.m. The event is part of the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center’s Monthly Movie Matinee series and is sponsored by the Maui’s Sons and Daughters of the Nisei Veterans. 

In a Zoom interview, NVMC Executive Director Deidre Tegarden stated showing “Paper Chase” is necessary because it documents the legacy of Japanese American newspapers. “It is an important voice to be heard; a voice that is the lifeblood of the community.” 

Last year, the showing of “Paper Chase” at NVMC was scheduled for Aug. 13, but was canceled following the devastating wildfires. It would have occurred a day after the successful showing at Moanalua High School in Honolulu, however, the fires made it too difficult for the Zentoku members to travel to Maui that weekend.

A year later, people have a little time to breathe and move toward healing, “Now it seems right,” said Tegarden.  

Community Japanese publications focus on news that often goes overlooked or ignored by mainstream media. In today’s digital and social media-dominated landscape, Japanese community media outlets, including the Hawaii Herald, The Rafu Shimpo, Chicago Shimpo, North American Post, Nikkei West, and Nichi Bei Weekly, face significant challenges to their survival.

“Paper Chase” is an extraordinary testament to the resilience and perseverance of Japanese-American news media throughout history.

By bringing this documentary to the Nisei Veterans Memorial Center, the Zentoku Foundation aims to honor the legacy of Japanese-American journalism and inspire future generations.

Seating is limited so please call the NVMC office today: (808) 244-6862.