Support Ancestry on Trial
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Funds raised so far: $10,445.00
8.7% of $120,000 Goal
8.7% of $120,000 Goal
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Short Summary
Help uncover a buried chapter of American history that still echoes today. From the creators of Hidden Internment—the first U.S. documentary to expose the internment of Japanese Latin Americans--Ancestry on Trial reveals the untold story of over 31,000 civilians of Japanese, German, and Italian ancestry, many of whom were kidnapped from Latin America and imprisoned by the U.S. government under the label “enemy aliens.” Their lives were upended, their voices silenced—and today, the same legal powers once used to justify their detention are being revived to target new communities. This feature length film sheds light on a dark legacy and follows survivors and descendants still fighting for recognition and justice—while standing in solidarity with today’s movements for migrant rights. With your support, we can expose this hidden history and connect it to the urgent struggles of our time. Why It Matters The 1988 Civil Liberties Act marked a significant moment in acknowledging the injustices of WWII internment, but the full story of those labeled “enemy aliens” remains largely untold. As immigration enforcement today expands under the same legal powers once used to justify wartime detentions, this history has never been more relevant. Ancestry on Trial connects past and present to ensure these stories are not forgotten—and to inspire reflection and resistance in the face of renewed threats to civil liberties. What We Need & What You Get We’re raising $120,000 to help complete production and post-production of Ancestry on Trial. Make a contribution in any amount or receive meaningful perks for your support—from shout-outs on social media and digital downloads, to exclusive film credits. If we don’t reach our full goal, your contributions will still directly support critical elements of the film’s production and editing. Your contribution will allow us to:
Prefer to donate by check? You can mail it to: Peek Media 2124 Kittredge Street PMB 49 Berkeley, CA 94704 Write “Ancestry” in the memo line. Please note that donations are not tax-deductible, but you’ll still receive the same perks based on the donation amount. The Impact This project matters—because the history of wartime internment is not over. The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 remains on the books and is still being used to justify the surveillance, detention, and deportation of people based on ancestry, perceived loyalty, or national origin. By bringing these suppressed stories to a wider public, Ancestry on Trial helps ensure that past injustices are acknowledged, and that the same mistakes are not repeated. We’ve done this before—with Hidden Internment: The Art Shibayama Story, which was used in advocacy and education efforts across the country—and we’re ready to do it again with your help. Risks & Challenges Documenting suppressed history is never easy. Some survivors are aging, scattered across multiple continents, and hesitant to revisit painful memories. International travel and archival access add complexity to the project. But we’re prepared. Our team includes experienced researchers and advocates, including project advisor Grace Shimizu, whose father was a Japanese Peruvian internee. We’re collaborating with survivors, descendants, historians, subject matter experts, and community advocates to guide our outreach and ensure the film’s historical accuracy and cultural integrity. Other Ways You Can Help If you can’t donate, you can still play a powerful role! Please help us spread the word—share our campaign with your networks, educators, students, activists, and anyone who cares about history, justice, or immigrant rights. |
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Meet the Crew:
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Casey Peek (Director) is a filmmaker and storyteller with over two decades of experience creating documentaries that center the lives of migrants, workers, and communities advocating for justice. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Casey leads Peek Media, a production company recognized for its partnerships with grassroots organizations to share underrepresented stories. Casey’s work explores the intersections of history, policy, and everyday experience—highlighting narratives that are often overlooked. From migrant shelters to union halls and across borders, Casey brings both a filmmaker’s craft and a commitment to community, creating films that aim to inform, engage, and inspire.
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Grace Shimizu (Project Advisor) is a longtime advocate, researcher, and community organizer whose work has been instrumental in uncovering the history of U.S. government wartime actions against civilians of Japanese Latin American ancestry. She is the director of the Japanese Peruvian Oral History Project and has spent decades documenting forced removal, internment, and redress efforts through both policy advocacy and public education. Grace played a central role in the movement to seek justice for Japanese Latin Americans excluded from the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, and continues to be a leading voice on issues of accountability, reparations, and historical memory.
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Leomar Moring (DP) is a Bay Area-based cinematographer known for his striking visual storytelling and ability to capture emotion through the lens. With a background in both narrative film and documentary work, Leo brings a keen eye for composition, color, and movement to every project. Whether shooting indie films, music videos, or branded content, he blends technical expertise with artistic sensitivity to craft imagery that connects on a deep, human level. His work reflects a strong connection to the diverse communities and landscapes of the Bay Area, where he continues to push creative boundaries behind the camera.
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Carrin McErlane (Video/Photo) is a storyteller, director, and impact strategist whose work centers the voices and experiences of communities often left at the margins. Rooted in a deep belief in the power of film to drive social change, Carrin blends creative vision with a commitment to justice—crafting narratives that confront inequality, build empathy, and inspire action. Her projects span documentary, narrative, and mixed media formats, often in collaboration with grassroots organizers and artists of color. Through bold, community-centered filmmaking, Carrin continues to explore the intersections of race, gender, labor, and liberation—using film not just as a mirror, but as a tool for imagining a more just world.
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