Paper Lanterns is a documentary that follows the quest of Shigeaki Mori, a survivor of the Hiroshima atomic bombing, and his desire to account for those killed on August 6, 1945.

Mori discovers that 12 American prisoners of war also died that day, but were forgotten. In the film directed by Barry Frischette and Max Esposito, Mori searches for the relatives of two of the POWs: Normand Brissette and Ralph Neal. He also campaigns to include the names of the 12 American POWs at the Hiroshima Peace Museum with the thousands of others killed. The film documents Mori’s encounter with President Obama in 2016 at the Hiroshima Peace Museum. 60 minutes.

Q&A to follow with filmmakers. 

This screening is part of the Under a Mushroom Cloud Film Festival, presented with the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, in conjunction with the Under a Mushroom Cloud: Hiroshima, Nagasaki, and the Atomic Bomb exhibition. Click here to view a list of the other films.

This program is free for Museum members and included with general admission for non-members. You may purchase admission at the front desk at the main building if you arrive before 4:30 p.m., or at the Tateuchi Democracy Forum starting at 5 p.m.* RSVPs are strongly encouraged using this online form as reserved guests will be given priority entry.

*The screening begins after the museum closes at 5 p.m., but we encourage you to come see the Under a Mushroom Cloud exhibition before 4:30 p.m. to take full advantage of your ticket.

Please note that the Under a Mushroom Cloud Film Festival dates and times have changed due to the anticipated traffic congestion in the area for the Women’s March on January 18. We apologize for the inconvenience.