Desolate Dreams (Short Film & Educational Initiative)

Help us bring Desolate Dreams to the screen in 2027

2027 marks the 200th anniversary of the Black Press in America and 85 years since the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Americans began. We are working to bring Desolate Dreams to the screen as we commemorate these defining chapters in American history.

Desolate Dreams is a narrative short film set in 1942 Los Angeles. Inspired by the overlooked history of Black journalists who advocated for Japanese Americans during World War II, it follows the friendship between an African American journalist and a Japanese American family as they confront the devastating impact of incarceration.

At its core, Desolate Dreams explores an often-overlooked chapter of American history: the solidarity between African Americans and Japanese Americans during a time of fear, prejudice, and uncertainty. While facing discrimination and unequal treatment themselves, many Black journalists recognized the injustice of Japanese American incarceration and used their voices to speak out. Their acts of allyship serve as a powerful reminder that the fight for justice has always been interconnected.

More than a short film, Desolate Dreams is an educational initiative designed to spark dialogue about civil rights, allyship, and overlooked chapters of American history. The project will include educational resources, community screenings, and an interactive website that provides historical context and learning tools for students, educators, and the public.

Filmmaker Kiyoka "Kex" Rhodes is of African American and Japanese heritage, bringing a deeply personal perspective to the story. While her family was not directly impacted by incarceration, she has become a passionate advocate for preserving and sharing the history of the more than 125,000 Japanese Americans who were forcibly removed from their homes during World War II. Rhodes is a Capital Emmy-nominated director and a member of the Producers Guild of America.

Supported By

• United States-Japan Foundation
• Heart Mountain Wyoming Foundation
• Asian American Futures
• Arena Stage
• Masto Foundation
• Takahashi Foundation

Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution today and join us in bringing this history to the screen and educating the next generation.

Visit our website: www.desolatedreamsfilm.com

Follow us on Instagram: @desolatedreamsfilm

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