Screening and Panel Discussion of the Film "Paper Lanterns"

Описание: On November 21, 2024, a special screening of the film Paper Lanterns was held at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies, accompanied by an insightful panel discussion. The documentary tells the moving story of Shigeaki Mori, a Japanese atomic bombing survivor from Hiroshima. Mr. Mori devoted his life to uncovering the forgotten histories of 12 American prisoners of war (POWs) who perished in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. For decades, the families of these American servicemen were left unaware of their loved ones’ fates. Through decades of meticulous research, Mr. Mori succeeded in obtaining official recognition for the 12 aviators, whose names are now honored in the Hiroshima Peace Museum.

The film explores themes of reconciliation and hope, depicting Mr. Mori not only as a survivor but also as a beacon of humanity, extending compassion and fostering connections even with those who were once enemies. It serves as a testament to the enduring potential for friendship and understanding across profound divides.

Following the screening, a panel discussion featured Ms. Nobuko Saito Cleary, the film’s producer and a champion of Japanese cultural exchange in the United States; Dr. William Potter, CNS Founding Director and the Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar Professor of Nonproliferation Studies at MIIS; and moderator Mr. Jean du Preez, CNS Director of Education and Training.

The event held particular resonance this year as Nihon Hidankyo, the grassroots organization representing atomic bomb survivors from Hiroshima and Nagasaki, received the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. It served as a poignant reminder of the Hibakusha’s tireless advocacy for a nuclear-free world and the universal imperative to ensure that such weapons are never used again.

Hosted as part of the Center for Nonproliferation Studies’ (CNS) dedication to disarmament and nonproliferation education, the event also engaged the Critical Issues Forum, an international educational initiative connecting high school students from countries including Japan and the United States. By fostering dialogue on the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, the event aimed to inspire younger generations to champion a more peaceful, nuclear-free future.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction by Masako Toki, Project Manager and Research Associate, Education Program, CNS
03:39 Welcome by Dr. Jeff Dayton-Johnson, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of the Middlebury Institute
08:07 Introduction by Dr. William Potter, CNS Founder & Director · Sam Nunn and Richard Lugar Professor of Nonproliferation Studies
10:44 Special Remarks by Ambassador Shorna-Kay Richards, Ambassador of Jamaica to Japan/ Chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters
19:08 Message from Mr. Yo Osumi, Consul General of Japan in San Francisco
22:26 Introduction of the Film by Ms. Nobuko Saito Cleary, Film Producer
30:30 Panel discussion with Nobuko Saito Cleary, Dr. William Potter, film Director Barry Frechette, and moderator Jean du Preez, CNS Program Director of Education and Training