Experiencing Interruptions?

Go For Broke

Go For Broke, is a story about Steve Kuroki, a first generation Japanese-American who dreams of becoming a pilot. However, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt declares war with the Japanese empire. Steve joins the United States Army Air Forces despite the rising tension between the American and Japanese society. He believes that while the war was justified, every person has the right to serve. Kuroki refuses to change and compromise his beliefs, and continues to overcome adversity through the long journey to prove his loyalty at home and in combat.

  • William Wu
    Director
  • Gerry Dai
    Writer
  • William Wu
    Writer
  • Shafee Azi
    Producer
  • Gerry Dai
    Key Cast
    "Steve Kuroki"
  • Camryn Smith
    Key Cast
    "Mary Sakura"
  • Kevin Trumble
    Key Cast
    "Frank"
  • Lynden Legault
    Key Cast
    "Bruce"
  • Noah Franz
    Key Cast
    "Commander Noah"
  • Liam Fazackerley
    Key Cast
    "Private Jimmy"
  • Nils Kimmel
    Director of Photography
    Off World
  • Ronny Kurland
    Production Designer
  • Madeline Perry
    Costume Designer
  • Noah Christensen
    First Assistant Director
  • Shane Martin
    Editor
  • Josh Choi
    Sound Designer
  • Lauren Wong
    Lead Animator
  • Nicholas Gutwin
    Lead Compositor
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 18 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    January 1, 2021
  • Production Budget:
    4,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    Canada
  • Country of Filming:
    Canada
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    ARRI Alexa
  • Aspect Ratio:
    2.39:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - Capilano University
  • Digital Cinema Package:
    Unavailable
  • Leo Awards
    Vancouver
    Canada
    July 6, 2021
    Nominee Best Student Production
Director Biography - William Wu

William Wu, is a Vancouver-based award winning Director and filmmaker who graduated from the Motion Picture Arts program at Capilano University in 2020, where he develop his skills directing short films and was nominated for best student production in the 2021 Leo Awards. For the last 3 years, William has worked in "Motherland: Fort Salem" Season 2 (Hulu TV series), "ABBA Voyage", Marvel's "Black Panther: Wakanda Forever", "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3", "Star Wars: The Acolyte" and “Lilo & Stitch”. He currently works as a VFX Production Coordinator in Industrial Light & Magic.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

Go For Broke is a story about a Japanese man who enlists in the United States Army Air Force during the height of World War II. The character of Steve Kuroki was inspired by the 442nd infantry regiment, a regiment of the United States Army which is best known for its history as a fighting unit composed almost entirely of second-generation American soldiers of Japanese ancestry.

In 1942, many Americans considered anyone of Japanese descent to be an enemy. No one took time to consider their loyalties, and assumed that anyone of Japanese ancestry was rooting for Japan. Yet, in spite of hostility and outright hatred, many young Japanese Americans entered in the armed forces and fought heroically across the European and Pacific Theatre. Go For Broke is the story of one of those kinds of people, who overcame adversity with the sheer will to fight for others and for their homes. Our team wanted to tell this story and were inspired by films like Dunkirk (2017), Hacksaw Ridge (2016) and Pearl Harbor (2001).

Steve Kuroki is a young man who is filled with dreams and ambitions to make a difference. Despite the adversity ahead, he remains good and continues to strive for his best. This was very important to us when making Go For Broke. At its truest form, it is about one man’s dream of flying that makes him a beacon of hope for others. This film was made possible through the collaboration and passion of my amazing cast and crew who went above and beyond in making Go For Broke come true.