Saturday, May 24, 2025, 2-3:30 pm
DVAA, Narrowsburg, NY
May bridges Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, and Asian American Heritage Month—a time to honor mothers, celebrate freedom and remember those who fought for it, and also acknowledge the rich histories of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.
The Delaware Valley Arts Alliance (DVAA) proudly presents Fall Down Seven, Get Up Eight: The Japanese War Brides a moving documentary about the tens of thousands of Japanese women who migrated to the U.S. as war brides after World War II—the largest migration of Asian women in American history. These women were initially celebrated as model housewives but soon faded from public view. In this documentary, the daughters of three Japanese war brides uncover stories of resilience, love, and the courage it took to build new lives in a foreign land.
Moderated by DVAA Director Ariel Shanberg, the program features William Yukikazu Fellenberg, author of Sayonara Cowboy: A Memoir. Fellenberg shares his deeply personal story of growing up as the son of an American GI and a Japanese war bride, navigating post-war cultural divides, racism, and the search for belonging. Both the film and memoir explore the universal quest for identity and the strength required to bridge worlds.
Join us as we share these heartfelt stories of the indomitable human spirit, the power of love, and the determination to redefine community in the face of profound change.