My vision was to make a quiet, thoughtful meditation about the journey of two artists who helped create a new form of Japanese American taiko. As a director, I approached this project as a respectful outsider aiming to gain trust, serve as a witness, and hopefully bring a fresh perspective to complex situations. To counter any lack of specific knowledge, I practiced "beginner's mind," assuming nothing and keeping my mind open to learning. Throughout my career shooting documentary stills projects, I've tried to spark dialogues across communities by offering a universal perspective on personal stories. This parallels what PJ and Roy have done by bringing people together with their music. I realized that my past experiences - as a photojournalist covering stories about Japanese Americans, the arts and culture in Japan as well as being an artist and musician grappling with my own identity (as a Basque descendent) - all connected me in profound ways to PJ and Roy and to this film.

Through "Because of You, I Am," I want to evoke a range of emotions in the audience—surprise, curiosity, inspiration - and the irresistible urge to leap up as the drums start playing. History matters, so it's important to highlight the shameful history of our government's mistreatment and internment of Japanese American citizens during WWII and the current rise of anti-Asian hate. The film can help be a bridge between cultures, fostering empathy and understanding, for example, when Roy says, "It’s a sad situation where we can’t trust those who are around us because we’re a person of color and they are not,” audiences get a powerful insight into how it feels to stand in his shoes.

Our popular culture rewards aggressive self-promotion and competitive, even ruthless, behavior to reach success. I learned from PJ and Roy that it's possible to accomplish impossible things simply by being true to yourself and your beliefs, steadfastly pursuing your art, and giving to your community. For over 50 years, PJ and Roy have proven the power that kindness and generosity of spirit can have while building a fulfilling, creative life and legacy.

Ultimately, this film encourages audiences to reflect on the choices they need to make in their own lives to pursue their unspoken dreams.

Director’s bio >