Independent Lens . THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI . Talkback

Tell us what you think >>
Selected submissions will be posted here regularly, so visit again to read more comments.

Read an update on Jimmy Mirikitani on The Film page. Visit the filmmaker's Web site for contact information for Jimmy Mirikitani and news about the availability of his artwork.

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5/11/07
Karenn Vernagus
Lansing MI

I just loved "The Cats of Mirikitani"! God bless Linda and Jimmy. I would like to know - is it possible to buy Mr Mirikitani's art work? My husband and I love cats too and we would love to have a couple of Mr Mirikitani's prints for our house. Thanks!

Editor's note:

Jimmy Mirikitani's art is not for sale at this time. Individuals interested in purchasing reproductions of his art in the future or institutions interested in exhibiting Mirikitani's work can write to:
art@thecatsofmirikitani.com

5/11/07
Mai Vong
Houston, TX

I have always enjoy the films on Independent Lens. Ms. Linda Hattendorf's film on Mr. Mirikitani convey a powerful and important message of which I'm positive every viewer must have understood. We must learn from the past in order to prevent such a horrendous event from happening again.

I am a college student in my early 20s but I was a refugee confined in the refugee camps of Hong Kong during my childhood. After immigrating to the U.S., I became an American citizen because I truly believe that America is the land of the free with justice and liberty for all, regardless of what you look like or where you came from. However, recent events have made me feel helpless in having any influence on the policies or actions our government enact.

I want to thank Mr. Mirikitani and Ms. Hattendorf for making this film. It gave me the strength to not give in. I will remember Tula Lake and pass on the message this film and Mr. Mirikitani's life incorporated so beautifully for us to see. Thank you again, from the bottom of my heart.

5/11/07
Phyllis Petras
Sacramento

What a wonderful film! It is so inspiring and beautiful to watch, edited so nicely. But now I have to say, my walls look very dull, after I saw his apartment! I am so glad he found some of his family. I am going to start tomorrow to add art to my life, somehow. I have the cats already. They can't draw yet, but are practicing. Thank you so much for this film. Cheers!

5/11/07
Diana Slambora
Sacramento,CA

I just watched your story about Mirikitani, and was amazed at the good story. It has very good lessons, like, how one person can make a difference in ones life. He went from homeless, to having an apt, ssi, reuniting with his sister, a birthday party, and being ok with his past. sad, and heartfelt, but nicely done. And respecting yourself.

5/11/07
carol danz
paradise, CA

I just watched Linda's documentary and I think I cried my eyes out harder after this than anything I've viewed in recent memory. Linda, your selflessness and ability to see beyond this man's external appearance and circumstances is beyond humbling to me and how anyone can turn away from a homeless person after your extraordinary example is beyond me (because I sure won't be able to!). It's thanks be to you that Jimmy got his life back. Thank you Linda for your heart. Thank you Jimmy for your heart and tenacity. Where can we donate to the cause?

5/11/07
dukken bang

Wow!!! words can`t express my emotion as i cried after watching the cats of Mirikitani. Words can`t express my profound gratitude to Linda for her saint like compassionate act to see something in Jimmy`s that is too often overlook. The sadness, lonliness, abadoned, unspeakable hardship that Jimmy went through in his lifetime finally comes to term with peace and joyful reunion. Too often we forget what make us human is our compassion for one another. Watching this film as if Jimmy`s is taking us for a ride through his emotional experience. Very emotional for me as i can`t hold back my tears. I can go on and on but more importantly is Jimmy`s well being. Is he still living alone by himself? where is his family, don`t they support him in some shape or form?

5/11/07
Joan Bartos
Napa CA

Simply one of the best films I've ever seen.

Jimmy and Linda have both chosen to live their lives as true artists. Their resulting portrait is one of humanity and connection on their larger than life canvas.

Thanks to both of them and to all involved for this beautiful, painful and moving story.

5/11/07
Kaari
Houston, Tx

This film (aired May 9, 2007) moved me so deeply! What incredible treasures are uncovered here. . . the Grand Master Artist himself, Mr. Mirikitani; the beautiful kindness of a stranger ~ Miss Linda!
The messages brought out in this fine work of independent film are powerful!

5/11/07
Betheal

I just watched the movie. And its one of the most amazying movies i have seen. I admire Jimmy's way of life and Linda's courage to make a difference. In a time were the vocabularys of our world are money, war and oil, we need some thing to remind us of our past and that we are in the process of repeating history. Our world needs some serious healing and people like Jimmy and Linda give us some hope it can be done. May mercy, peace and love be with all of us.

5/11/07
Ahmed Mohiuddin
Austin, TX

I sat motionless as I watched the movie "Cats of Mirikatini". I was so impressed by this persons strong conviction, even at 82 years old unwilling to seek help from the government that sent him to concentration camp 60 years ago. I hope today's america is not as reactionary as they were during WWII. With the latest news of legal & illegal aliens conspiring to kill soldiers at Fort Dix and FOX NEWS highlighting their immigration status has me thinking "should I even live in this country?" I know that government wants to monitor all of the people with muslim name/heritage and I hope it doesn't end up in internments of people like myself who wants to live in this country peacefully and possibly contributing to the betterment of the world.

5/11/07
Susan Zicco
Phoenix, AZ

I've never in my 60 years written to applaud a television program. I was do touched by the by this man and this film maker, I felt I must respond. Of course the Japanese camps were an unspeakable travisty and yes this could happen again. That is why more people should be exposed to this film. We can't keep repeating internments, wars, and political debaucles and expect our civilization to survive. The hope this film represented on so many levels was what made me want to write to you. I thank you with all my heart. It so touched me.

5/11/07
MyMijas.
Visalia, CA

Thank you Linda and PBS for showing this film. Inde Lens came on late in my area, but I stayed up because I was glued to this story. I was completely moved by "Jimmy San" and his art and life stories. It was nice to see the "life" and "hope" Linda gave to Jimmy by helping him find his family, find answers to his past, and his purpose in life. His purpose in life was to tell the world his story and to teach us about history, compassion, and the value of our senior citizens in America. Not to mention how history has a way of repeating itself. I hope my generation watches this film and learns not to jump to conclusions about the "perceived" enemy of immigrants who come here for a better life. My favorite part...when Jimmy stayed up worrying and waiting for Linda to come home from the movies. Very touching moment. Keep us posted on your life Jimmy San.

5/11/07
Quakertown PA

THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI was the best independent film I've ever seen. Linda is a great humanitarian and her kindness brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for helping someone needy out.

5/11/07
Diana Seese
Nampa Idaho

I WATCHED YOUR SHOW ON JIMMY MIRIKITANIS LIFE LAST NIGHT AND WAS SO TOUCHED I SAT AND CRIED FOR THE WHOLE SHOW. YOU ARE SUCH A WONDERFUL PERSON FOR HELPING HIM WITH HIS SS.AND ALL YOU HAVE DONE FOR HIM......

I LIVED IN A RENTAL HOME OF HISAKO YAMAYOTO WHO LIKE JIMMY WAS PUT IN A CAMP. I AM ON DISABILITY SS AND LIVE ON $740.00 A MONTH AND AM ALL ALONE BUT WHEN I HAVE HARD TIME OR AM HUNGRY I THINK ABOUT WHAT AN INSPIRATION SHE IS IN MY LIFE AND WHAT SHE WENT THROUGH....

PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU CAN HOW YOU ARE AND HOW JIMMY IS DOING AND TELL HIM I ALSO HAVE A PASSION FOR TIGERS AND CATS HE IS A WONDERFUL ARTIST. AND SOMEDAY WHEN I SAVE ENOUGH MONEY AND I SEE ONE OF HIS PAINTING ON EBAY I WILL PURCHASE IT AND CHERISH IT.

5/11/07

i just happened to turn to PBS when this dear man caught my eye...the more i watched, the more i became glued to the tv..

I wasnt fully aware of the governments actions towards the japanese after the bombing.

thank you for taking the time to help him. by the end of the program, i was in tears!!!

thanks again!!!

5/11/07
Ernie Smith
Charleston,SC

Jimmys Spirit and love of Art is most inspiring in lieu of the treatment he has encountered over the many years of his life.

His gift is truely a divine gift and he has used it for the good of all humanity.

I wish him well and would have loved to seen him and his sister in more depth.

Thanks for the film.

5/11/07
patty eng wergeles
brentwood, ca.

it was heart warming to see the compassion of ms. hallendorfs for mr. mirikitani, the words...home is where the heart is....rang true. the held in anger of mr. mirikitani for our "government" was under stated, he never once held any anger for the american "people"....for which he is one. ms. hallendorfs, it was wonderful to watch the glimps of "cultural" clash...and the understanding you had beyond that point....thank you for the story....thank you for mr. mirikitani....thank you for his art and most important...for putting a contemporary face on one of the saddest period of our history.

5/11/07
Jim Clark
Simpsonville, SC

I saw the movie last night (5/08/07) and enjoyed it immensely. I can't help but feel gratitude for Linda Hattendorf who took Jimmy in off of the streets and moved him into her apartment. She then proceeded to help him get back on his own two feet by going through all of the red tape for him, searched and found his sister-rejoining a relationship that he thought was lost. She gave this forgotten old man the wonderful gift of putting his life back together so that he could enjoy living again. What a sweetheart!

5/11/07
Beth Surdut

That Linda had the courage and generosity to take care of Jimmy is as sweet and strong as the other layers of their story.
After 9/11 I wrote a piece for NPR about the times I have been mistaken for ethnicities other than the ones I know I can lay claim to--and the erroneous assumptions people can make about why we help and defend each other. Bravo to Lisa and Jimmy for their talent and fortitude.

5/11/07
Sugar Grove, IL

I just finished watching "The Cats of Mirikitani". At the beginning my heart stopped at the thought of him living on the streets. My father was also interned at Tule Lake. He passed away last October, but I remember when I was growing up he also had conflicting feelings on what happened. As I watched your film I wish I could have asked him if he knew him, which barrack did he live in etc. Thanks for allowing me a look into Mr. Mirikitani's life and shedding light on my fathers'.

5/11/07
Ron Luikaart
Grass Valley, CA

When the student is ready, the Master appears. Judging from the enlightened comments made of the impact Sensei Mirikitani's story had on those who watched, you're all ready. I'm still blubbering hours after viewing it. I'm ready. Frog jumps in pond, plop. (((o)))

5/11/07
Dianna
Howell MI

Its been a year since I have painted anything. Today, I felt compelled to paint. I sat down and without plan, painted a beautiful Asian women standing in front of a mountain range. I didn't understand why. I'm not an artist. I paint to relax and communicate with myself. Today, the face that emerged is art and for the very first time in my life I felt like an artist. All day I marveled at where and how and why this painting came to be. This evening I watched Jimmy Mirikitani's story with my new painting propped next to the TV. This IS the miracle and gift of art. Jimmy san, Sensei, I'm so sorry for all you've suffered. Thank you so very much for sharing your Gift, and May God Always bless you.

5/11/07
Liz Smith
Boulder CO

I feel compelled to add my positive response about the moving Film THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI. I had just finished reading a book for my book group about the Japanese imprisonmnet (When the Emperor Was Divine) and found it totally depressing and hopeless. This film about Mirikitani and his amazing friend Linda personalized the issue in such a way that gives me hope for the human race! I only wish every American citizen could have the opportunity to view this! The artist's art was indeed moving too; his style and vivid portrayal of life events was a wonderful representation of his feelings, and most likely helped him work through those feelings. Hopefully PBS will repeat the documentary.

5/11/07
Elane
Chicago, IL

I was moved to tears as I watch this story play out. Thank you for making such a thought provoking and visually stimulating documentary. As you know, a picture paints a thousand words...and I must say I was blown away by the "dialog" that came through your camera lens. Thank you for taking the time to love and care for Jimmy. (I know he must try your patience over and over again.) Thanks to your wonderful story telling...we had a chance to love Jimmy, too.

5/11/07
Don Luke
Bradenton, FL

This was a lovely film. I find both Jimmy Mirikitani and Linda Hattendorf to be remarkable people. How many other elderly people are able to survive after losing their employment and having to live on the street? Mr. Mirikitani certainly has a zest for life. I found Linda to be a wonderfully gracious person. Maybe other filmmakers will not be afraid to become involved with the subjects in their films. I don't see the similiarity of the treatment of Japanese Americans during WWI and the treatment of Arab Americans since 9/11. I believe America learned a lesson and is not repeating itself.

5/11/07
daci L. Armstrong
oakland california

The imprisonment of the Japanese was very shameful, a real blot on U S History. But there are so many other blots how can we compare? Hattendor's film was uplifting and inspiring and so many things! It was all about how we, the human race, is supposed to live: helping each other! Forget the color issue, the language spoken, the age, the sex and just help one another.

5/11/07
Brandy
Richmond, VA

Last night I turned to my local PBS station, expecting a program to help me wind down after a very busy evening of activities. I was pleasantly surprised to catch your film. I shook off my drowsiness and settled in to hear about Mr. Mirikitani's life. I have always had a special place in my heart for the generation born before mine. So much wisdom can be gleaned from their life experiences! It was such a blessing to see Mr. Mirikitani reunited with his family. Very few people are awarded that opportunity after such great hardship. Many thanks to PBS for airing the film. We use more programming like this. :o)

5/10/07
New Chicago, Indiana

On the evening of May 8, 2007 I watched with great interest THE CATS OF MIRIKITANI on channel 11 from Chicago, WTTW. I just wanted to convey to her my deepest heart felt appreciation for what Linda did with her camera and her compassion for Mr. Mirikitani. It is one thing to help someone 'across the street' but I agree with the artist that Linda has earned the right to be called his 'daughter'. Two or three more people like her and him and this world might be okay in the long run after all. Thank you, everyone involved.

5/10/07
Donna Snow
MI

I missed the first part of your program about the Japanese artist. I lived in the same building of a Japanese couple that lived through this same experience. I hope we will never again treat American citizens like this again.I hope you will run this again.

5/10/07
Tracy
Cudahy, WI

My heart goes out to Jimmy, and God bless Linda for helping him and shining a light on such a terrible series of events. I hope after people see this film, they are inspired to help others around them. What use are we living our lives if we can’t help others? Jimmy is brave and beautiful, and I wish him all the best in the world. P.S. – I wish his art was for sale to the general public.

5/10/07
Tim Moran
Evanston IL

I just saw the Cats of Mirakitanilast night, and I must say this is one of the finest and most moving Documentaries I have ever seen on PBS. The filmmaker(Linda) deserves enormous praise, first of all for her selflessness in bringing this elderly man into her home, giving him shelter and a place to create. I thought I would lose it more than once during this film.THEN she proceeds to tell an amazing story,detailing this mans'InCREDible resilience and determination to express himself and his considerable pain through his simple,yet beautiful paintings.It was absolutely SHAMEful the way Japanese-Americans were treated by theU.S.Govt during the 1940's.THANK you to the filmmakers and PBS for letting the rest of us experience this deeply moving film!

5/10/07
Wendy A. Rogowski
Chicago, Illinois

This was such an awesome film. I‚m so grateful that there are people like Linda Hattendorf in this world. I know one person can‚t make up for what the government has done, but if all of us can learn from Linda, what a better place this would be. Mr. Mirikitani you are the true meaning of the word American. You never lost sight of who you are and what your dream was. So many of us sit and create a pity party for our selves over the smallest setback, but not you. You went through one of the most horrific times in American history and never lost sight of who you are. I wish I could have half of your strength. These words can‚t possibly describe how I feel after watching this film. Thank you Mr. Mirikitani and Linda. I believe I can be a better person because of the two of you. If we as a nation are eager to never repeat our mistakes and be the best person possible, I‚d suggest we all watch this film.

5/10/07
Melissa Cloutier
Fayetteville, AR

What a wonderful piece. Linda Hattendorf did a great job of making the audience feel and know Jimmy without being to overly dramatic. I commend her for her filmmaking and her humanitarianism.

5/10/07
Beth Surdut

That Lisa had the courage and generosity to take care of Jimmy is as sweet and strong as the other layers of their story. After 9/11 I wrote a piece for NPR about the times I have been mistaken for ethnicities other than the ones I know I can lay claim to--and the erroneous assumptions people can make about why we help and defend each other. Bravo to Lisa and Jimmy for their talent and fortitude. Beth Surdut www.bethsurdut.com

5/10/07
Chauncey R. Black
Kansas City, Missouri

Dear Independent Lens,

Thank you for "The Cats of Mirikitani." All of your presentations are excellent. However, this one was especially engrossing and thought-provoking...and I must add, "prayer-provoking." You can be sure that every viewer will respond within him/herself in personal and very unique ways while...and after...watching this documentary. The certainty is that every viewer will respond, react and reflect in some way. Hopefully, the intended purposes for this production are achieved, as well as whatever other good and positive effects might occur. Thank you again for this sterling presentation.

5/10/07
Anita Kunau-Hanlon
Omaha, Nebraska

What an inspiration Jimmy Mirikitani and is sotory are. A person who has seen so many horrible, although historical events in his life. Yet, he seem to raise above them all through his art.What a joy to view the story of his life past and present. Thanks to Jimmy Mirikitani, Linda Hattendort and PBS for making it possible.

5/10/07
Paul Murray

The thing that I enjoyed the most about this film was seeing filmmaker, Linda Hattendorf, restore the dignity of a man that was burdened by his past, and heavily wounded by a broken dream. To watch his transformation was inspiring! If only more of us would take the time to look around us and see that people are not just props in our own personal little drama, and realize that they are wonderful treasure chests of information just waiting to be opened by a spark of curiosity. Linda Hattendorf, God Bless you!