A SONG FOR OURSELVES (2009) TRT: 35 Min.

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DVD for $20

A SONG FOR OURSELVES is an intimate journey into the life and music of Asian American Movement troubadour Chris Iijima.  Struggling to make sense of their father’s early death, his teenage sons learn that during the 1970s when Asians in America were still considered “Orientals,” Chris’ music and passion for social justice helped provide the voice and identity an entire generation had been in search of.  Through animated photographs, intimate home movies, archival footage of Chris’ introduction to nationwide television by John Lennon and Chris’ own songs, their father’s life takes on bigger meaning than they had ever dreamed of.

“Wonderful - extremely well-made and powerful in its message and the history it covers.”

    -- Oliver Wang, Scholar / Writer / DJ



“This film immortalizes Chris’ inspiring songs that have been and will continue to be sung by generations of activists young and old.”

   -- Yuri Kochiyama, Activist



“An essential document of Asian American cultural history told movingly through the life, legacy and song of one of its driving forces, the musician-activist, Chris Iijima.”

-- Renee Tajima-Pena, Oscar-nominated filmmaker