Pioneers of Rock Springs
In the 1800s, Rock Springs Wyoming became a hub of immigrant coal miners and railroad laborers, attracting workers from across the United States and worldwide from 56 nations, bringing their distinctive cultures, foods, and languages.
Immigrant Japanese were among those arriving in the 19th century to work on the railroad and coal mines. This film tells the story of one of those families and the legacy they created.
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Don AokiDirector
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Don AokiWriter
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Don AokiProducer
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Project Type:Documentary, Short
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Genres:History
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Runtime:11 minutes 17 seconds
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Completion Date:February 22, 2022
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Country of Origin:United States
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Country of Filming:United States
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Language:English
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Aspect Ratio:16:9
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Film Color:Black & White and Color
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First-time Filmmaker:Yes
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Student Project:No
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Wyoming International Film FestivalCheyenne, WY
United States
July 8, 2022
World Premiere
Nominee, Best Wyoming Documentary -
307 International International Film Festival (Wyoming)Laramie, WY
United States
August 27, 2022 -
Best Global ShortsChennai
India
November 7, 2022
India Premiere
Best Documentary Short -
Asian Film FestivalLos Angeles/Hollywood, CA
United States
December 1, 2022
Nominee, Gold Diamond Award -
Best ShortsLa Jolla, CA
United States
June 19, 2023
Award of Recognition: Documentary Short, Award of Merit: History/Biographical -
Lonely Wolf International Film FestivalLondon
United Kingdom
December 21, 2023
Quarter-Finalist -
Planet CinemaOnline
November 29, 2023
Semi-Finalist -
CLIMAX International Film FestivalMadrid
Spain
April 24, 2024
Semi-Finalist
A native Californian, Don has been making films recreationally since the age of 12 but spent the lion's share of his adult life as a Silicon Valley technology executive, advisor, and investor.
Outside of his technology and business interests, Don enjoys pursuing his creative endeavors, combining his love for travel, history, and storytelling.
As a child growing up in Los Angeles, I heard tales of my maternal great-grandparents and their families residing and working in southwestern Wyoming as miners and railroad laborers during the first years of the 20th century.
Fascinated by the stories, I interviewed aging relatives, documented their oral recollections, placed them in the context of world events, researched the local history and conditions of that period, and collected old photos and relevant documents. Incorporating over 30 years of inquiry, the resulting narrative is this short film, Pioneers of Rock Springs.