‘Hito Hata’ Screening at Union Station

From right: Mako, Saachiko, Pat Morita and Tad Horino fight to save their home in a scene from “Hito Hata: Raise the Banner.” (Visual Communications Photographic Archive)

Metro Art Presents showcases an exciting array of free arts and cultural programs at historic Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St. in Los Angeles.

On Thursday, Oct. 15, from 8 to 10 p.m., the second installment of its fall film series in collaboration with Echo Park Film Center (www.echoparkfilmcenter.org) features a landmark project, “Hito Hata: Raise the Banner” (1980), produced by Visual Communications, the first feature-length film made by and about Asian Pacific Americans.

Capturing the contributions and hardships of Japanese Americans from the turn of the 20th century, the film centers on Oda, a feisty Issei and elderly single laborer living in Little Tokyo. Through a series of flashbacks, the story traces Oda’s life as a laborer on the railroad, being forced to leave Los Angeles during World War II, and his struggle to save the home of Little Tokyo’s residents when the community is threatened with redevelopment.

The cast includes Mako, Pat Morita, Hiroshi Kashiwagi, Tad Horino, Yuki Shimoda, Sab Shimono, Saachiko, Yoko Sugi, Shizuko Hoshi and Ernest Harada.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. The screening will be preceded by games and prizes.

At 8 p.m., the program begins with a special introduction by Robert Nakamura, who co-directed the film with Duane Kubo.

Show Metro TAP card at check-in and gain access to preferential seating. Guests are welcome to bring food and drink (no alcohol is permitted).

The event is free and open to all ages, and will take place in Union Station’s Fred Harvey Room.

For more information, visit http://metro.net/unionstationevents.