Remembering Bob Nakamura

Last month, we lost a legend. Professor Bob Nakamura was the "Godfather of Asian America media.If you don't know him, read more about him here: https://www.aasc.ucla.edu/news/rememberingbobnakamura.aspx

Fifteen years ago, I defended my Masters thesis on creating a hyperlocal website for Filipino Americans at UCLA in 2010. While his expertise was in film, luckily Bob agreed to be my thesis chair and professors Valerie Matsumoto and Victor Bascara were part of my thesis committee.

When I started the MA Asian American studies program at UCLA in 2008, I had the chance to take one of his classes in the Ethno-Communications program which was co-taught by his son, filmmaker Tad Nakamura. Learning from both of these legendary storytellers have continued to influence me today. Through this course, I was able to capture my uncle's story in my short film, The Untouchables”:

This is even more meaningful now as everyone in this short film have since passed.

And the project I originally proposed in my thesis (SoCalFilAmSpaces) ironically enough lives on in another capacity via FYLPRO's Tayo.

Thank you Bob. May you rest in peace and power. Your impact continues to live on and thrive through all the lives you've touched through your films and the students you taught through your classes.

Also check out Tad's film "Third Act" - about Bob's legacy: https://thirdactfilm.com/