From Personal Loss to Lifelong Mission on Agent Orange

Japanese filmmaker Masako Sakata turned personal grief into advocacy against Agent Orange’s legacy in Vietnam. After her husband’s death, attributed to exposure to the herbicide, she found purpose in documenting stories of its victims. Over time, her projects expanded to include scholarships and collaborative efforts with veterans, emphasizing a broader historical perspective and continuing need for awareness.

In 2003, after the unexpected death of her husband, Japanese filmmaker Masako Sakata took it upon herself to document the far-reaching impact of Agent Orange in Vietnam. Her journey, which started as a quest for answers regarding his liver cancer, evolved into a lifelong commitment to storytelling and advocacy. As she reflects on her mission in an interview with Việt Nam News reporter Thu Vân, Sakata opens up about her personal and professional transformation through film.

Sakata’s first film was profoundly influenced by her husband’s death, who served as an American soldier in Vietnam from 1967 to 1970. “The death came so suddenly; I was so taken by surprise,” she shared, revealing how she learned that Agent Orange exposure might have contributed to his illness. Initially skeptical, she sought to understand the substance and its consequences, which ultimately inspired her to create a documentary.

Prior to her husband’s passing, Sakata had minimal experience with filmmaking. “I thought documentary filmmaking was done by a big team with a cameraman, soundman, and a director like Akira Kurosawa,” she explained. However, after discovering a workshop in the United States that taught video techniques, she felt empowered. Armed with a camera and a new set of skills, she returned to Japan and set out for Vietnam to uncover the stories of those affected by the herbicide, eager to find meaning in her loss.

Upon arriving in Vietnam, Sakata received surprising support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. “I was new in handling the camera… but the subject matter was so compelling. I shot a lot of films,” she recalled. From cities to rural areas, she encountered numerous victims of Agent Orange, which left a lasting impact on her both emotionally and artistically.

Throughout her filmmaking journey, she was struck by the resilience and love of the individuals she met, despite their challenging circumstances. While confronting grief through her lens, she described the experience as “a healing experience for me.” Her approach shifted from personal sorrow with her first film to aiming for a broader perspective on the Agent Orange crisis in follow-up projects.

With time, her focus widened beyond her personal grief as she explored the impacts on the families of U.S. veterans affected by Agent Orange. Sakata reflected, “My first film was made out of personal sorrow… I wanted to look at the situation with a wider view.” Engaging with students through her scholarship program, Seeds of Hope, she found inspiration through the struggles of children in Vietnam, especially those caring for disabled family members.

Her ongoing projects also led her to the story of Trần Tố Nga, a woman suing American chemical corporations for damages related to Agent Orange. Sakata’s documentary intends to pair Nga’s resilience with broader historical contexts, coinciding with the 50th anniversary commemorations that brought veterans from both sides together. Sakata sees this collaboration as an opportunity for healing and understanding.

In discussing youth engagement in Vietnam and elsewhere regarding Agent Orange, she expressed optimism. She noted that while the issue is relatively well-known in Japan, many remain unaware of the ongoing struggles in Vietnam. “So many people who have seen my film said they did not know how bad it is still. So it was an eye-opener,” she said, highlighting the ongoing relevance of her work.

Sakata has experienced little resistance in her initiatives, with her first film winning emotional acclaim and encouraging donations for scholarships. “We have been able to support nearly 200 students,” she said, reflecting on the impact of small contributions. Each visit to Vietnam reveals the gratitude of scholarship recipients, reaffirming her commitment to continuing her work.

As she concluded, Sakata emphasized the need to remember the lingering effects of Agent Orange amidst rising global challenges. “We should take this as a lesson on how important it is to care for our environment,” she stated, aspiring for a world free from such devastation. Her journey from personal loss to advocacy serves as a beacon for change and awareness.

Masako Sakata’s work on Agent Orange embodies a quest for understanding and healing that transcends personal tragedy. Through her films, she highlights the stories of those affected by this toxic legacy. By forging connections across generations and countries, Sakata advocates for awareness and action against chemical warfare and environmental harm. Her journey underscores the importance of memory and resilience in the face of ongoing struggles.

Original Source: vietnamnews.vn