Transcending: The Wat Misaka Story

Sunday Feb 15 2009, 2pm
Aratani Theater at JACCC Plaza

Join us at 2pm on February 15, 2009, as Little Tokyo Service Center and the Japanese American Cultural & Community Center present a screening of Transcending: The Wat Misaka Story at the Aratani Japan America Theater in Little Tokyo.

Bruce Allen Johnson and Christine Toy Johnson’s film chronicles the inspirational life of Wataru (Wat) Misaka, the first ethnic minority to ever play in the National Basketball Association. In 1947, The New York Knicks drafted him in the first round after a decorated college career at the University of Utah, where he led the Utes to the 1944 NCAA and 1947 NIT championships. A 5’7” point guard, Misaka played for the Knicks during the 1947-1948 season and was inducted into the Utah Sports hall of Fame in 1999.

A showing of Justin Lin’s documentary, Crossover, will precede the feature presentation. Crossover provides a contemporary glimpse into Japanese American basketball leagues and their place in Japanese American culture since World War II.

Bring your teams, friends, and families to learn the story of an inspirational Japanese American athlete!

Ticket Information:
$10 General Admission, $8 Students, Seniors, Groups 10+
$7 JACCC, JANM & VC Members
For tickets visit www.jaccc.org or call (213) 680-3700