Documentary about Philadelphia gay rights activist, KIYOSHI, makes world debut at Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival

Screened in the Graham Auditorium at the Moore College of Art, KIYOSHI is the first feature length film about one of Philadelphia’s key figures. It features archival footage, interviews, and overlaid aesthetic projection. It details Kiyoshi's life story—from birth in a WWII incarceration camp in Heart Mountain, Wyoming, and how that later fueled his activism not only in Philadelphia but also across the country.

“During his time in college, Kiyoshi advocated to bring more attention to what was happening in Vietnam and thousands of lives suffering. Kiyoshi demonstrated that people's struggles around the world are interconnected,” says Rex Yin, an official at Philadelphia Asian & Queer. “He recognized that our social justice is intertwined with the freedom for all marginalized organizations.”

Leading with intention

Born in a US incarceration camp for Japanese Americans, Kiyoshi became known for being on the frontlines for healthcare equity, and gay and civil rights. He moved to Philadelphia to attend the University of Pennsylvania in 1961, marched at Selma with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and later worked with the Black Panthers. Notably, he was also part of the first gay rights demonstration in America, and led some of the nation’s most challenging protests opposing the Vietnam war. Kiyoshi co-founded the AIDS activist group ACT UP Philadelphia.

In an interview with Broad Street Review, Yin says Kuromiya embodied “the importance of being in community and solidarity.”

“He created a welcoming home for people to get access to medication, engage in social support and connections, and receive resources. When Kiyoshi brought the community together, there was not a clear intention to give back instead show up for others,” Yin says. “He challenges me to think of actionable ways to lead intentionally with the community at PAQ.”

KIYOSHI is directed by Glenn Holsten, produced by Teresa Jaynes, Keith Brand, Rob Buscher, Che Gossett and Chris Bartlett. Director of Photography is Phil Bradshaw. PAAFF will present 38 premiere screenings and four other world premieres throughout the festival, which runs from November 5-15. Tickets to the PAAFF screening can be purchased in advance.

PAAFF produces year-round programming, events, and lectures in addition to the annual festival. Today, the PAAFF is one of the country's largest Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander film festivals in the country.

“Philadelphia has a diversity of AAPI communities, each with unique histories and journeys, and the festival invites us to get glimpses and insight of lives that we won't ever be able to experience. When we are watching and noticing the stories in front of and around us, then we can look inward thoughtfully and see what impact these stories have on ourselves and the world,” Yin adds.

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