Experiencing Interruptions?

Finding Community

As an adopted young Thai man growing up in Michigan, Dr. Yoder faced many challenges, but his determination and passion for helping others led him to his own healing, community and contribution. Dr. Yoder's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and following intuition. He shares that by taking care of our own health, we can then go out and make a positive impact in our communities.

  • Tamotsu Tome
    Director
  • Tamotsu Tome
    Producer
  • David Yoder
    Key Cast
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Short, Web / New Media
  • Genres:
    health, adoption, documentary, short, chiropractic, healing
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 28 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    May 5, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    0 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Digital
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Tamotsu Tome

Tamotsu is a multifaceted documentary filmmaker from the beautiful island of Hawaii. He is deeply passionate about capturing the essence of a rapidly changing society where traditional career norms are being redefined. At the heart of his work lies the desire to spotlight individuals who are not just thriving in their careers but are using their platforms to enact broader, positive societal changes.
Before stepping into the world of documentary filmmaking, Tamotsu built an eclectic career that lends depth to his current endeavors. He successfully started and scaled an eCommerce business, which earned a spot on the INC 5000 list of fastest-growing companies. But his expertise doesn't end there; Tamotsu also has experience in coaching, teaching, photo editing in Hollywood, and even the robotics industry. This varied background informs and enriches his storytelling, making him a filmmaker with both substance and skill.
Outside of his professional life, Tamotsu has many pursuits and passions. He is deeply committed to personal growth and transformation, practicing meditation and participating in jiu-jitsu as part of his routine. A technophile at heart, he keeps up to date with the latest in technology while also advocating for family wellness.
Tamotsu’s emotional core and inspiration emanate from his personal life. Married to his loving wife, who taught him the profound art of opening his heart, they share their life with two fun-loving children. Parenthood has been their most fulfilling adventure, teaching them everything from patience and compassion to the more practical aspects of life like energy and sleep management.
In a world in constant flux, Tamotsu is a filmmaker intent on capturing the voices and stories that need to be heard. With a lens focused on impact and a heart tuned to the rhythms of human experience, he isn't just making films—he's making a difference.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Dr. Yoder's journey—from a young Thai adoptee growing up in Michigan to becoming a beacon of community wellness—is a story that resonates deeply with my core passion as a filmmaker.

Dr. Yoder is an embodiment of perseverance and intuition, virtues that have propelled him past numerous obstacles. His story is not only a personal tale of triumph over adversity but also a larger narrative about the collective impact one can make by first healing oneself. It's about how caring for our individual well-being can ripple out to benefit the entire community.
In a world that often seems in constant flux, my objective has always been to focus on voices that need to be heard—those that capture the essence of societal change and exemplify transformative success. Dr. Yoder is one such voice. His story weaves together the elements that I am most passionate about: change, resilience, and societal impact.

Navigating the multiple layers of Dr. Yoder’s life posed its own challenges. One take, and only one day of filming, each interview, each archived piece of his history, had to be sifted through the lens of both personal and societal transformation. The filmmaking process itself became a journey of discovery, echoing the very themes that make Dr. Yoder's story so compelling.
I've poured my heart into this project, not just to tell an individual’s story but to spotlight the broader shifts in how we define career, success, and impact in today’s world. Dr. Yoder doesn't just represent an inspiring person; he represents an evolving values that connects personal well-being to community well-being, a philosophy I believe will become increasingly vital in our rapidly changing society.

As you delve into this film, I invite you to engage with both Dr. Yoder's personal journey and the broader societal transformations he represents. This is not just a story about overcoming challenges; it's a story about defining new paradigms of success and community impact.
Thank you for considering our film for your festival. We believe it captures a unique confluence of personal narrative and societal change, and we are excited to share it with your audience.
Sincerely,

Tamotsu Timo Tome
Director, “Finding Community"