A free screening of the short documentaries, "Our Island's Treasure" and "Himeyuri," will be held on June 29 (Saturday), 2 p.m., in Torrance, California.

This educational event is part of a coordinated effort by the Global Uchinaanchu Alliance (GUA) in observance of Irei no Hi (Battle of Okinawa Remembrance) and to raise awareness about the forced construction of a U.S. Marine Corps base in Okinawa, which disproportionately hosts 70% of U.S. military bases in all of Japan. Screenings are also being held in Hawai‘i and various cities in the continental U.S.

"Our Island's Treasure" 「私達の島の宝」 is a 30-minute short film produced by Kaiya Yonamine, a high school student in Portland, Oregon. During a short trip to her mother's home island, the 17-year-old filmmaker was able to interview elders who are heavily involved with the struggle, students who want to make a difference, and Okinawa Governor Denny Tamaki, who strongly opposes the military construction. Yonamine also includes questions from her fellow classmates, resulting with the interviewees directly addressing U.S. citizens who view the film.

Yonamine's documentary will be preceded by a short film about World War II's Battle of Okinawa, "Himeyuri" 「ひめゆり」. Produced by the Himeyuri Peace Foundation with illustrations by Ken Kaizu, the 30-minute film uses paintings, narration, and sound effects to recount the harrowing experiences of 222 high school students and 18 teachers who were forced to work as nurses during the war.

The event will also include a post-screening discussion and a spoken word and sanshin (a traditional Okinawan instrument) performance by Sho and Joseph Kamiya.

Reservation is requested due to limited space. Please visit bit.ly/seaoflifetorrance or email shikee.uchinaanchu@gmail.com. The screening will take place at 2706 W. 182nd St., Torrance (Fruit of the Spirit Lutheran Church; this is a non-religious event). The parking lot and entrance are located in the rear.

For more information and suggested actions, please visit riseforhenoko.com and uchinanchu.com. If you are unable to attend this free screening, "Our Island's Treasure" is available to view and share online: bit.ly/ourislandstreasure