J.T. Takagi

Movies

The Chinatown Files
Sound Recordist
This documentary brings to the public, for the first time, a story that was classified as secret by the US government for over four decades. Exploring the roots and legacy of the Cold War on the Chinese American community during the 1950s and the 1960s, it presents first hand accounts of seven men and women's experiences of being hunted down, jailed and targeted for deportation in America.
Stormé: Lady of the Jewel Box
Sound
“It ain’t easy…being green” is the favorite expression of Stormé DeLarverie, a woman whose life flouted prescriptions of gender and race. During the 1950’s and 60’s she toured the black theater circuit as a mistress of ceremonies and the sole male impersonator of the legendary Jewel Box Revue, America’s first integrated female impersonation show and forerunner of La Cage aux Folles.
Azul
Sound
In 1988 it was exactly one hundred years ago that the Nicaraguan writer Ruben Dario published his first work. Azul was the first publication of modern poetry in the Spanish language. Legiarda-Laura has given the same title to his film, because he wanted to show the Nicaraguan poetic inheritance. 24 poems are read, interspersed with interviews and discussions. Thus, the cultural soul of Nicaragua is mapped out.
Working Girls
Sound Recordist
A lesbian college graduate, trying to bankroll her own photography business, works as a high-priced New York City escort.
Tryptich
Sound
TRYPTICH is set on the opening night of a new play when actor Franklin Samuels ponders his past and future within the depths of his creative mind. He conjures visions of an aspiring wnter and a young film director, both of whom encounter similar frustrations in pursuit of their goals. As the stage curtain opens and Samuels prepares to speak, he hesitates. Is this Samuels' story, or that of the writer, or is it the story of the film director? TRYPTICH is a film that moves through reality and fantasy, raising expectations, but offering no resolutions.