This year marks the 80th year since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, a moment in history that continues to echo through generations.
In solemn remembrance of this anniversary, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles will present a screening of director Barry Frechette’s documentary, Paper Lanterns, on June 21, 2025 at 2:00 p.m, at JAPAN HOUSE Salon, Level 5 of Ovation Hollywood. Admission free.
Paper Lanterns was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Woods Hole Film Festival in 2016.
The film was screened multiple times at the United Nations, including four showings at the UN Headquarters in New York. It was also featured at the UN Office in Geneva and the WTO, where producer Nobuko Saito Cleary was invited to make a speech on peace in May 2025.
Paper Lanterns tells the extraordinary story of Shigeaki Mori, a survivor of the Hiroshima bombing whose life was transformed by a deeply personal mission: to uncover and share the stories of tens of thousands of Japanese victims, and to identify and honor twelve American prisoners of war who also perished that day.
Among them were Normand Brissette of Massachusetts and Ralph Neal of Kentucky.
Through decades of tireless effort, Mr. Mori brought long-overdue recognition to these men and helped their grieving families find a sense of connection, closure, and peace.
The documentary travels from the small towns of America to the heart of Hiroshima, tracing the emotional journey of two families brought face-to-face with history.
In guiding them through the places their loved ones spent their final days, Mr. Mori builds bridges of compassion and understanding between former enemies – and between past and present.
The screening will be followed by a discussion with Mr. Frechette and Ms. Saito Cleary, offering deeper insight into the making of the film and its ongoing impact.
The event space will feature a small exhibition of images provided by the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, along with a light networking reception to offer attendees and speakers a thoughtful space to reflect on the events of August 6, 1945.
Register Here: https://japanhousela.swoogo.com/paper-lanterns