Award-Winning Documentary on Wat Misaka, Asian-American Basketball Pioneer, Screens at South Pasadena Library on May 22

“Transcending—The Wat Misaka Story” will be screened in the South Pasadena Public Library Community Room on May 22 at 7:00 p.m. with filmmakers Bruce Alan Johnson and Christine Toy Johnson. It’s an award-winning documentary about Wat Misaka, the first person of color to be drafted into what is now the NBA. A Nisei who was born, raised and is still living in Utah, Wat was the very first draft pick of the New York Knicks, in 1947. Overcoming the national political climate during World War II, Wat was a star player for the University of Utah in the 1944 NCAA and 1947 NIT basketball championship teams, taking 2 years off in between to serve in the U.S. Army. Wat’s perseverance and loyalty to his teammates, other Nisei friends (including those interned at Topaz) and his family are a testament to the unflappable Japanese American spirit.

This film includes in depth interviews with Wat and his family, teammates from his championship teams (including All-American star Arnie Ferrin of the Minneapolis Lakers) sports authorities (including Knicks Historian Dennis D'Agostino and ubiquitous New York sportscaster Spencer Ross), and many who continue to look up to Wat as both a role model and personal hero. The inspiring film also features video clips from his 1944 and 1947 college games, rare footage from a visit to the Topaz Internment Camp, and countless photos from his triumphant career.

Directed by award-winning filmmakers Bruce Alan Johnson and Christine Toy Johnson, and featuring an original score by Scot Stafford, this film won the "Gold Kahuna Award" from the Honolulu International Film Festival (2009), The "Emerging Eye Directorial Discovery Award" from the Roving Eye Documentary Film Festival (2009),  was selected as the centerpiece film of Rights Fest (2012),  was picked as the opening film of the Houston APA Film Festival (2010), and was chosen an official selection of the Chicago Asian Showcase (2010), San Diego Asian Film Festival (2009), and Carmel Art and Film (2009).

The Community Room is located at 1115 El Centro Street. The free screening is presented by the South Pasadena Public Library and the Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library and no tickets or reservations are necessary.  Professional, film festival equipment will be used for this very special event. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and refreshments will be served. The program will conclude with a Q & A with the filmmakers.