Fremont Chamber supports Ohlone College During Special Screening for AAPI Heritage Month
On Monday, April 2, 2026, Ohlone College hosted a special film screening of the independent film Kintsukuroi (2024), followed by a discussion and Q&A with the film's director, Kerwin Berk, and key actors.
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Kerwin Berk, Kintsukuroi tells the story of Japanese Americans who endured forced removal and incarceration during World War II. The film follows two California families through incarceration camps and onto European battlefields, illuminating themes of resilience, dignity, and the enduring strength of community in the face of injustice.
The title Kintsukuroi draws from the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, symbolizing the beauty found in resilience and healing. Rooted in the philosophy of wabi-sabi, the film reflects on how history, hardship, and imperfection shape identity and strength.
Berk, a third-generation Japanese American born in San Francisco’s Japantown, brings a deeply personal perspective to the film. His own family was impacted by wartime incarceration at the Topaz Relocation Center in Utah. After a distinguished 25-year career in journalism—including work with the San Francisco Chronicle—Berk now leads Ikeibi Films as an independent filmmaker dedicated to telling meaningful, culturally grounded stories.
Following the screening, attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in a live Q&A session with Director Kerwin Berk and key actors and crew members, offering deeper insight into the film’s creation, historical context, and cultural impact.
“This event represents the power of storytelling to connect us to our shared history and to one another,” said Binh Nguyen, Executive Director of the Ohlone College Foundation. “Through Kintsukuroi, we honor the resilience of Japanese American communities while creating space for reflection, learning, and meaningful dialogue that helps shape brighter futures for all.”
“This is more than a film screening—it’s a moment of connection, visibility, and cultural affirmation,” said Hing Potter, Director of Student Life at Ohlone College. “At the Multicultural Student Center, we are proud to uplift stories like Kintsukuroi that center lived experiences, inspire empathy, and empower our students and community to engage with history in transformative ways.”
As Ohlone College prepares to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in May, this event sets the tone for a month dedicated to honoring heritage, elevating voices, and building deeper understanding across communities.
