"From Family History to Academy Award Qualified Film: The Making of Nisei” with Darren Haruo Rae

Here's What We Know

This week on the Here's What We Know Podcast, our host Gary Scott Thomas welcomes back our special guest, Darren Haruo Rae, the brilliant director and creative force behind the short film “Nisei,” which won the grand jury prize for ‘Best Dramatic Short Film’ at the Cinequest International Film Festival, making it an Academy Award-qualified film. Darren shares the behind-the-scenes journey of how the film was created despite having a limited budget and producing on their own.
This episode is not just about the professional wisdom of creating a magnificent film but highlights personal connection as it is based on Darren’s family history, specifically his grandfather’s experience and the Japanese-American community during World War II. Tune in now!
In this Episode:

• Darren shares exciting news about "Nisei" winning the grand jury prize for best dramatic short at the Cinequest International Film Festival in San Jose. This win has made the "Nisei" Academy Award qualified and a chance to get nominated.
• Darren shares about the process of becoming Academy Award-nominated, including academy voting members' involvement and 'For Your Consideration' events planned in Los Angeles and San Francisco.
• Insight into how Darren found out about winning: a mix of confusion, excitement, and disbelief while watching an Instagram livestream from home.
• Discover Darren’s connection to "Nisei" as it tells a story close to Darren’s family history—his grandfather’s experience fighting for the US in WWII while his family was in internment camps.
• Hear serendipitous aspects of filmmaking emerge through stories like finding a period-correct bus just after restoration or connecting with costume designers who had authentic resources linked to their heritage.

This episode is sponsored by:
Winchester Western Wear (Be sure to tell them Gary sent you so you can save 20%!)
Dignity Memorial (Mention Gary & receive a Thank You Gift)
GymGuyz (#1 In-Home Personal Training)
Bio:
Darren Haruo Rae is a Japanese-American producer/director based in Los Angeles who co-founded the boutique production company Roann Films. He has directed high-profile commercials and branded content for clients such as Western Digital, Airbnb, and Cisco. Rae's directorial debut, Park Arcadia, garnered Best Screenplay at the 2014 International Film Festival Cinematic Arts in Los Angeles. His latest film, Nisei, inspired by his Japanese-American grandfather's WWII experiences in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team, earned Best Drama and Audience Choice at the 2023 Poppy Jasper Film Festival and continues its festival circuit, screening at Indy Shorts by Heartland Film, LA Shorts International Film Festival, HollyShorts Film Festival, and Cinequest Film Festival.
Currently, Rae is the series producer for the MasterClass G.O.A.T. Original Series and is producing the feature film Surrender, starring Andrea Bang. Surrender was selected as one of Film Independent's Fast Track fellowship program's top 10 narrative fiction features and is slated for production in 2023.
Website: https://www.dhrae.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darrenhrae/
Nisei Film Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niseithefilm/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoannFilm
www.GaryScottThomas.com