2017 Okinawa: The Afterburn - Gardena Documentary Screening and Q&A (Explores U.S. Military Presence in Okinawa)NEW

In-depth documentary explores U.S. military presence in Okinawa. On Saturday, June 24, the Okinawa Association of America (OAA) in Gardena will host a special screening of the award-winning documentary "Okinawa: The Afterburn" (Urizun no Ame). Academy Award-nominated director John Junkerman will be in attendance for a Q&A.

The 2-hour documentary is equally educational, poignant, and shocking. Split into four parts, Junkerman covers World War II's devastating Battle of Okinawa in 1945, the U.S. military occupation of Okinawa, the trauma and complexities of war and occupation, and the ongoing protests against the bases that still operate on the islands.

Most impressive is the vast scope of the film: the director approaches each topic from all possible angles, interviewing Okinawan civilians who survived the war, former U.S. and Japanese military servicemen, organizers, reporters, and professors. These firsthand accounts provide comprehensive insight into the history and current status of the U.S. military presence in Okinawa, and the many complexities that come with it.

Admission is FREE for current OAA members and $5 for the public. Due to limited space and parking, priority seating will be given to those who RSVP by June 21: 310532-1929, oaamensore@gmail.com. The OAA Center is located at 16500 S. Western Ave.

If you cannot make it to this event, the OAA will be sponsoring a second event (screening only) on Tuesday, June 27th, 5:30PM at the Katy Geissert Civic Center Library in Torrance (3301 Torrance Blvd, in the Civic Center Library Meeting Room). Admission is free, but donations are requested. Space is limited.