Jon Osaki is an award-winning filmmaker who has directed and produced promotional, educational, narrative, and documentary films.  His initial interest in film grew from his desire to share the stories of the Japanese Community Youth Council, where he has served as Executive Director since 1996.  Over the past few years, he has had films screened at film festivals and community event across the country.  As a filmmaker, Jon views this genre as the next step in his lifelong pursuit of social justice and equity. 

As a long-time community and youth development advocate, Jon believes in using film to bring stories to life for younger generations.  He is motivated to inspire the next generation of storytellers who can keep vital chapters of this country’s history alive and relevant to our leaders of tomorrow. 

Jon’s latest film, ALTERNATIVE FACTS: The Lies of Executive Order 9066 reveals a largely untold aspect of the Japanese American incarceration story.  In today’s climate of fear and “fake news” the story of the unjust World War II incarceration of Japanese Americans is a cautionary tale about this country’s democracy and the fragile balance of power within our government.  ALTERNATIVE FACTS chronicle the dark, twisted plot of conspiracy, deceit, and one of the most nefarious cover-ups in American history. 

Jon’s goal for ALTERNATIVE FACTS is to expose the true events and influences behind the WWII incarceration of Japanese Americans to stimulate a truly informed public debate about how this country treats minority and religious groups today.  He hopes to illustrate the dire consequences of allowing fear, politics, and misguided rhetoric towards targeted groups to drive decisions about public policy.  Through the vital lessons of the WWII incarceration story, Jon hopes to promote healthy dialogue about race, religion, and the importance of acknowledging that sometimes our country makes mistakes that demand its citizens to speak out.