Amelia Wang Paper Lanterns Film Screening and Panel Discussion
Experts Call for Ending Wars and Conflicts
Thank you for your support!
“War brings destruction and hatred, and peace brings prosperity and happiness.” Amb. Shorna-Kay Richards, Jamaica’s Ambassador to Japan and the Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters, quoted these words by Mr. Shigeaki Mori, as part of a message she delivered at a screening of the film “Paper Lanterns.” The film is based on Mr. Mori’s inspiring efforts to build reconciliation between former enemies. The event on November 20, 2024 was organized by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS) at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS) and took place against the backdrop of Nihon Hidankyo winning the Nobel Peace Prize for 2024.
Paper Lanterns, directed by Barry Frechette, details the heroics of Mr. Mori, a Japanese atomic bomb survivor from Hiroshima, who dedicated his life to sharing the stories of American prisoners of war (POWs) who were killed by the atomic bombing on August 6, 1945, in Hiroshima. The film depicts the importance of reconciliation, friendship, building peace, and striving for a world free of nuclear weapons. Addressing the audience online, Amb. Richards, who is a longtime champion of disarmament, praised the courage of the Hibakusha. She recalled how her interactions with them when she was a very young diplomat inspired her to work toward the abolition of nuclear weapons. She highlighted the dangers associated with the erosion of the nuclear taboo and a failure to rely more on diplomacy. Amb. Richards concluded her message by saying “no more Hiroshima; no more Nagasaki.”
The event was opened by Masako Toki, Senior Project Manager at CNS. She related the relevance of the film narrative to today’s risky geopolitical landscape. She also spoke to the critical need for advancing nonproliferation and disarmament education, especially among young people.
Dr. Jeff Dayton-Johnson, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Institute, warmly welcomed the audience and thanked Ms. Nobuko Saito Cleary for producing this important, timely film. He also emphasized the affinity between MIIS’ mission and the film’s theme: intercultural understandings and working toward peace and security by reducing the risk of nuclear weapons. Furthermore, he said the hosting of this film was in line with MIIS’ commitment to promoting peace and security through education, empowerment, equity, and cross-cultural communications.
The event also featured a video message from the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, Mr. Yo Osumi. He emphasized that people like Mr. Mori have been critical to establishing and strengthening friendly, deep-seated relations between Japan and the United States.
Mr. Osumi’s message was followed by the film’s introduction by its producer, Ms. Nobuko Saito Cleary. She lauded the compassion and struggle of Mr. Mori, and spoke about the need to let the world know about his story and mission.
After the screening, a panel discussion was held, which featured Ms. Cleary and CNS Director Dr. William Potter. It was moderated by Mr. Jean du Preez, Director, Education and Training, CNS. The panel discussion started with a message from the director of the film, Barry Frechette.
During the panel discussion, Ms. Cleary shared that Mr. Mori’s extensive and meticulous collection of data was one of the motivations behind this project. She added that, through the film, she hoped to highlight the importance of living in a nuclear-free, peaceful world. Dr. Potter praised the film for its powerful and inspirational message of the power of empathy and reconciliation. He hoped that the film would be seen by more policymakers as we grapple with a plethora of nuclear risks.
He also noted the value of the film in training the younger generation. He stressed the need ”to bring in new blood, which is full of hope, energy, and idealism.”
The panel discussion was followed by a questions and answers session, during which many of the exchanges focused on the importance of fostering cross-cultural dialogue and communications. The participants included two local high schools that have been engaged in nonproliferation and disarmament education through the platform of the Critical Issues Forum: Monterey High School and Carmel High School.
This event underscores CNS’ commitment to building a peaceful, nuclear weapons- free world through education and training. The Center looks forward to building collaborative networks of individuals and organizations that are working toward this shared goal.
The event was sponsored by the Japan Society of Northern California and was supported by the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and the United States Japan Foundation.