he Volunteer, a short documentary on Vietnam veteran Bruce Nakashima
Saturday, Jun 8, 2024, 2 pm
Join us for the screening, reflections from filmmaker David Brodie, and a community conversation as we remember Bruce Nakashima and those who served during the Vietnam War, a heightened time of tension and protests, and the scars that remain hidden over 50 years later. If you know of anyone who experienced the Vietnam War and may be willing to join our conversation, we warmly welcome them. Please contact Judy Kajiwara or Jill Shiraki at jill@j-sei.org.
The Volunteer is a short documentary about Vietnam veteran Bruce Nakashima. Bruce reflects upon his combat experiences, the racism he encountered, and his struggle to express the shame, guilt and anger he’s since carried. The film follows the close friendship Bruce had with fellow African American soldier LV. After surviving an attack, the two injured soldiers are rescued, hospitalized and lose contact with each other. During the making of The Volunteer, 50 years later, Bruce and LV are finally reunited. Their renewed friendship helps Bruce begin to reconcile the unspeakable memories that have haunted him and, most importantly, to thank LV for saving his life.
“The pain in The Volunteer captures the unforgivable realities of war, things that hurt any combat Veteran to the morrow. The joy is realizing, from Bruce Nakashima’s experiences, that I am neither a criminal nor a victim.” –Francisco Juarez, Vietnam Veteran and Commander of the El Camino Real Chapter of the American GI Forum of the US
“…a moving and deeply resonant exploration into the enduring impact of racial trauma, the profound power and bonds of friendship, and the universal quest for identity and a sense of belonging.” BEND Film Festival
View the trailer.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
Bruce Nakashima was a United States Army Ranger, farmer, truck driver, craps dealer, model car wholesaler, and an investor in both racehorses and race cars. He was born in Rohwer, Arkansas during World War II and served in The Vietnam War from 1964 to 1967. In 2018, he decided it was time to tell his story.
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In 2017 David Brodie directed an ad campaign for Subaru, promoting the company’s charitable efforts. For one of these commercials he interviewed Bruce, along with Chris Gordon-Clarke, a fellow veteran who delivered food to Bruce through Meals on Wheels.
David became friends with both men, joining Meals on Wheels and regularly meeting with Bruce, who often told stories about his past, including his birth in an internment camp for Japanese Americans, his harrowing service in Vietnam, and his decades-long search for LV Hendking, his best friend from the Army.
These conversations eventually developed into production on an ever-evolving documentary about Bruce’s life. Over three years, Bruce gave countless interviews, reconnected with friends and family, and finally reunited with LV.