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Tokyo Lily, a war bride docu*memory

This is the first trailer for ‘Tokyo Lily, a war bride docu*memory’. It’s the story of a Japanese woman who was forced into servitude at 13, lived through many horrific years of WWII, then married an American soldier. Eventually, she moved to the U.S. and, in her later years, became an artist—painting, writing poetry, performing traditional dances, and more. The film is currently in production. Check our website for updates.

  • Yayoi L Winfrey
    Director
  • ValentineSeasons
    Composer
  • Yuriko Naito Smith
    Camera
  • b.r. Winfrey
    Camera
  • Mona Kesa Meyer Ohya
    Translator
  • Rob Lee
    Researcher
  • Project Type:
    Documentary, Other
  • Runtime:
    5 minutes
  • Completion Date:
    October 14, 2023
  • Production Budget:
    1,000 USD
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Country of Filming:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    super 8mm
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
  • Anatolia International Film Festival
    Istanbul
    Turkey
    August 11, 2024
    Official Selection Best Trailer
Director Biography - Yayoi L Winfrey

Born in postwar Tokyo to a Japanese war bride and an African American soldier, Yayoi L Naito Winfrey has been creating media all her life. First, as an illustrator and graphic designer; then as a screenwriter, fiction writer and journalist; and, now, as a filmmaker. Growing up on three continents by the time she was five years-old gifted her with a strong appreciation for other people’s languages and cultures. As a mixed-race person, she has an innate sense of what it’s like being ’the other’; and, her long career in arts reflects that special position.

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Director Statement

Storytelling through film engages so many senses. I feel so fortunate that I’m able to combine my love for both visual art and literature to make movies.