Q&A with Risa Morimoto (Director of WINGS OF DEFEAT)

WINGS OF DEFEAT is a highly personal film for Risa Morimoto. In 2005, the documentary filmmaker discovered that her uncle was a member of the Japanese Empire's suicide attack force during WWII. She wanted to learn more about her uncle's experiences, however, he had long since passed away. What exactly was a kamikaze? Who were these men who gave their lives for the Emperor? WINGS OF DEFEAT follows Morimoto's quest for answers.

I was lucky enough to catch up with Risa before the festival. She told me how she excited she is to show her film in Hawaii, a state with a huge population of Japanese-Americans. She also told me how the film has inspired people in Japan to follow her lead and unearth their own family histories. Risa says her incredible journey for the truth has brought her family together. It’s a journey she urges LVHIFF moviegoers to take as well.

» Read the Full Interview... (conducted by Jason Soeda)