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Associated Movie: American Pastime, starring
Gary Cole, Leonardo Nam and Jon Gries "A perfect example of what the game of baseball has meant to all Americans." -Ted Spencer, National Baseball Hall of Fame "Baseball, and an unlikely hero, sustained hope for Japanese-Americans interned in WW II." -Sports Illustrated "Highly Recommended. This is an excellent documentary video about the little-known but fascinating history of Japanese-American baseball. It focuses on the story of one man, Kenichi Zenimura, who is considered to be the father of Japanese-American baseball. Part of the program's success can be attributed to Noriyuki "Pat" Morita (of "Happy Days" and "Karate Kid" fame); as a former internee, he narrates with skill, empathy, and his low-key humor." -EMRO Review During World War II, 120,000 Japanese-Americans, including this program's host and narrator, Oscar-nominated actor Noriyuki "Pat" Morita (The Karate Kid), were relocated to remote internment camps, such as the one in Gila River, Arizona, for the duration of the war. Behind the barbed wire, baseball helped many of these people survive this humiliating ordeal. One man, despite his small size, became a very big hero. His name was Kenichi Zenimura. Today, he is commonly referred to as "The Father of Japanese-American Baseball." This poignant documentary pays tribute to Zeni; however, it is much more than the biography of one man, it is the story of a legacy in which baseball helped transcend bigotry and hatred to bring pride and respect to Japanese-Americans who loved the game. Covering over 100 years of history, it is filled with great baseball memories, including wonderful anecdotes of Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. Produced by the Nisei Baseball Research Project (NBRP) & Chip Taylor. 08DR IJSCA 35 min. |
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Dreamfield: The Story of the "Field of Dreams" |
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CINE Golden Eagle Award Gold Apple Award -NEMN Awards Associated Movie: Field of Dreams, starring Kevin Costner, Amy Madigan, Ray Liotta and James Earl Jones Associated Article: Fielder's Choice: Dyersville, IA -Smithsonian Magazine "A luminous, heart warming piece of film making." -Ray Richmond, L.A. Daily News "A warm slice of Americana." -Milton Kent, The Baltimore Sun "A must-see!" -Dee Dee Myers, Author/Former White House Press Secretary "Highly Recommended. Much more than a story about baseball; this is a story of people's dreams coming true." -National Media Review "People will come, Ray. People will most definitely come." Those famous words, spoken by Terrence Mann (James Earl Jones) to Ray Kinsella (Kevin Kostner) in the Oscar nominated movie Field of Dreams, have become reality. Hosted by the acclaimed actor James Earl Jones, this heartfelt program picks up where Hollywood left off and chronicles the fascinating stories of people who have traveled on a pilgrimage to Dyersville, Iowa, not only to visit the famous baseball field cut into a cornfield, but also to fulfill their own personal dreams. Featured are interviews with W.P. Kinsella, author of Shoeless Joe, the book the movie was based upon, and the owners of the "Field of Dreams." Viewers will love seeing baseball legends Maury Wills, Lou Brock, Jay Johnstone/B> and Ferguson Jenkins playing on the field. The original music, composed by Emmy-nominated composer Stewart Levin, adds to the feeling of nostalgia, family, baseball, relationships and faith shared amongst all the strangers at the "Field of Dreams." Produced by Crescenti Moon Productions. 09DR/CL IJSCA 60 min. |
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"Recommended. Bicycle enthusiasts leave their home state
of Iowa to follow their dreams of cycling across America. The riders make up
a diverse population of ages, different positions in life, and have many
interests.The riders see their share of struggles, accidents, and different
weather conditions which test their dedication, perseverance, and endurance
to the end of the trip." -EMRO Review "Recommended. A diary of determination by just 'plain folks,' as well as a chance to view everyday America from coast to coast." -National Review This classic program documents the "journey of a lifetime" for 308 people from Iowa as they make a great bicycle ride over 4,000 miles across the United States to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of their state. Organized by Chuck Offenburger, his vision was to promote good will as well as publicity for his state. Here we meet students, farmers, lawyers, veterinarians, and retirees who participated in this challenging and rewarding bike trek, along with hundreds of Americans across the country who came out to support the group. Starting in California, we accompany them as they ride along beaches, over hills, through rain, heat, and fog from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, through the vineyards of Napa Valley and across the Golden Gate Bridge. We experience the thrills and spills of the bicyclists, many of whom severely test their personal resolve and stamina. We also see the emergence of a special sense of camaraderie enjoyed by adventurers and risk takers who persevere regardless of the many obstacles they confront. We witness their arduous trek across the desert and over the mountains of Nevada, Idaho, and Wyoming, and see their incredible fortitude and solidarity as they deal with harsh terrain and unpredictable weather, including "hail the size of moth balls." A boost in morale comes as they travel home through Iowa and carries them to their final destination in Washington, D.C. Produced by Crescenti Moon Productions. 09DR/CL IJSCA 60 min. Associated Program: Biking: RAMM - The Race Across America |