餅
THE MOCHI MOVIE
A story of community and resilience.
THE MOCHI MOVIE explores the centuries-old Japanese tradition of Mochi-tsuki—the ceremonial pounding of rice to make mochi for the New Year—as a lens into resilience, identity, and intergenerational connection. Set against the backdrop of Japanese American history, including the impact of incarceration during World War II, the film weaves together personal stories, vibrant celebrations, and historical insights. Featuring appearances by cultural icon George Takei, Kristen Hayashi curator at the Japanese American National Museum, and the story of renowned photographer Toyo Miyatake, THE MOCHI MOVIE brings together voices across generations to reflect on the deeper meaning of tradition.
The film reminds us that traditions matter—not just for preserving the past, but for shaping who we become.
ABOUT THE FILM
Partner With Us
We are approaching the film and its impact with the goal of fostering dialogue, connection, and meaningful community engagement.
Our outreach includes:
• A national PBS broadcast with sponsorship and underwriting opportunities for aligned organizations
• Community and educational screenings with cultural institutions, educators, and community partners
• Educational and digital resources designed to support ongoing engagement and discussion
We welcome conversations with organizations, foundations, and companies interested in supporting the film’s outreach including our PBS broadcast and broader impact campaign.
Reach out to our Impact & Partnerships Producer, Nick Kelso
nick@skybergmanproductions.com
THE MOCHI MOVIE features community voices across generations—including guest appearance by actor and activist George Takei.
Glenn Tanaka from Tanaka farms and Japan Consul General (of LA) Kenko Sone.
Photographer, Toyo Miyatake.
©Toyo Miyatake
George Takei with filmmaker, Sky Bergman.
“Making mochi was one of the few bright spots of my childhood—even behind barbed wire. It reminded us that we were still a community, even when everything else was taken away. ”
Why This Film Matters
THE MOCHI MOVIE is about more than mochi. It is about how food, family, and tradition carry memory across generations. Through the story of Mochi-tsuki, the traditional practice of pounding Japanese ricecakes to bring in the New Year, the film explores Japanese American resilience, the impact of World War II incarceration, and the joy of preserving culture through shared rituals.
Rooted in Japanese American history and tradition, THE MOCHI MOVIE speaks to the universal ways food, family, and memory connect us across cultures. If you have ever gathered in a kitchen to make tamales, folded pierogies with a grandmother, baked baklava for the holidays, or prepared a special meal that links you to your roots, it is a reminder of how deeply food can connect us to family, culture, and belonging.
At a time when many communities are seeking connection and belonging, this film offers a deeply human story about remembering where we come from and honoring what we pass on. This film is a call to remember to honor the stories carried in our hands, in our recipes, in our shared rituals—and to recognize that preserving tradition is, at its core, an act of love and resilience.
Mochi-tsuki ceremony in Manzanar War Relocation Camp, 1942. ©Toyo Miyatake
Mochi-tsuki ceremony in Irvine, CA, current day.
Susy Eto Bauman with filmmaker, Sky Bergman
MEET THE DIRECTOR
After a 30-year teaching career, Sky Bergman is embracing her “third act” as a filmmaker. She is a Professor Emeritus of Photography and Video and the former chair of the Art & Design Department at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. Her directorial debut, the PBS documentary Lives Well Lived, celebrates the stories of older adults who are living life with meaning and purpose. Today, Sky focuses on creating films that honor intergenerational connections and cultural traditions.
She was inspired to make THE MOCHI MOVIE after interviewing Susy Eto Bauman, a star of Lives Well Lived, and witnessing the Eto family’s Mochi-tsuki ceremony. As an aunt to Japanese American nephews, the tradition holds personal meaning and deepens her connection to the story.
Bring this PBS film to your community.
Contact the filmmakers for screenings, speaking events, and partnership opportunities.