Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066

The untold story of lies, deceit and a failure of democracy.
by
Year Released
2019
Film Length(s)
65 mins
Closed captioning available
Remote video URL

Introduction

Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066 tells the untold story of false information and political influences which led to the World War ll incarceration of Japanese Americans. The film also examines the parallels to the targeting of groups today and similar attempts to abuse the powers of the government.

Featured review

what the documentary does brilliantly is to clearly and concisely show the legal battles at the heart of American democracy
Jason Maher
VCinema

Synopsis

Alternative Facts: The Lies of Executive Order 9066 is a documentary feature film about the false information and political influences which led to the World War ll incarceration of Japanese Americans. The film sheds light on the people and politics that influenced the signing of the infamous Executive Order 9066 which authorized the mass incarceration of nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans. Alternative Facts exposes the lies used to justify the decision and the cover-up that went all the way to the United States Supreme Court.

Alternative Facts also examines the parallels to the current climate of fear, targeting of immigrant and religious communities, and similar attempts to abuse the powers of the government. In today's climate of fear and "fake news" this story is a cautionary tale about this country's democracy and the dire consequences of allowing politics and misguided rhetoric towards targeted groups to drive decisions about public policy.

(*Upon purchase, three versions of this film are available for various classroom or program lengths: The Original 65-minute Director's cut, a 56-minute cut, and a 46-minute cut.)

Reviews

This film was a gut-wrenching, punch in the face.
James Croxton
The Torch
Filmmaker Jon Osaki makes a compelling case for solidarity and engagement in this deeply personal and political film.
Sierra Lee
Center for Asian American Media
This important film tells a part of the internment story in a way it's never been told before.
Dr. Paul Watanabe
Director of the Institute for Asian American Studies and Professor of Political Science, College of Liberal Arts, Umass Boston
This film is not a historical rehash, but a REVELATION on how our Constitution was circumvented.
May Wood
Los Angeles Unified School District (Retired)
I was moved by the story and felt it connected so well with the trauma our country is going through right now.
Daryle Brown
Festival Director, (In)Justice For All Film Festival

Awards and Screenings

A Show For A Change Film Festival - Story Telling Award, 2018
Political Edge Film Festival (CEFF MKE) - Best Documentary , 2019
DisOrient Asian American Film Festival of Oregon - Audience Choice Award, 2019
The Impact DOCS - Award of Excellence , 2019
Accolade Global Film Competition - Award of Excellence, 2019
Docs Without Borders Film Festival - Outstanding Excellence Award , 2019
Spotlight Documentary Film Awards - Silver Award, 2019
Berkeley Video Film Festival - Grand Festival Award For Documentary, 2019
Revolution Me Film Festival - Best Director Award: Feature Documentary, 2019
(In)Justice For All Film Festival - Festival Director's Award, 2019
Accolade Global Film Competition - Humanitarian Award of Distinction, 2019
American Bar Association Silver Gavel Honorable Mention, 2020
Telly Awards: Social Impact & Documentary, 2020

Director Commentary

As a long-time community activist and descendant of two former World War ll incarcerees, I am proud to share this largely untold aspect of the Japanese American incarceration story. While there have been many outstanding films on the WWll incarceration of Japanese Americans, Alternative Facts explores forgotten chapters of this tragic tale that will inform, shock, and inspire audiences.

Alternative Facts chronicles the dark, twisted plot of conspiracy, deceit, and one of the most nefarious cover-ups in American history. While the WWll incarceration of Japanese Americans has been acknowledged as a "mistake," this film challenges the historical narrative and exposes it as a scandal of epic proportions.

My goal for Alternative Facts is to reveal the true events and influences behind the WWll incarceration of Japanese Americans to encourage a truly informed public debate about how this country treats immigrant and religious groups today. This film dispels the myths and misconceptions about what took place during WWll and draws a straight line to the parallels of today.

Through the vital lessons of the Japanese American incarceration story, I hope to promote healthy dialogue about race, religion, and the importance of speaking out when our democracy falters.

Features and Languages

Film Features

  • Closed Captioning
  • DVD Extras
  • Resources for Educators

Promotional Material

Promotional Stills

Resources for Educators

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