Born in 1972, in Kobe, Japan. Graduated in 1995. B. A. of Laws, (Major: International Relations) Worked as a director for a television station in Osaka for 5 years. (magazine show, sports programs, radio programs)

Family Secrets
Beta SP
20 min.

A sibling relationship is one of the longest and the strongest relationships that a person can have. Friendships or marriages can begin and end, but sibling connections remain. Sometimes sibling love turns into sibling rivalry. If rivalry escalates, it can turn into abuse. Unlike spousal and child abuse, no legislation has been passed regarding this issue, and few resources have been developed to protect the victims of sibling abuse.

Through the stories of Becky and Kathrin, Family Secrets will disclose the realities of sibling abuse. Becky was shot by her old brother Chris seven years ago. Kathrin had been emotionally and physically abused by her older sister Danielle, which lead her to attempt suicide multiple times. They will tell us about their struggle against their perpetrators and how their experiences have affected them. The film will also convey that despite their tragic pasts, their determination has helped bring light into their lives.

Pulse
16mm film, color
6.5 min.


This film explores the mystique of taiko -- Japanese drums.

Train
Co-directed by Thomas Burns and Eriko Yamato
Digital video
6 minutes

Locomotive engineers face the threat of unavoidable track fatalities every day, both on the job and off. Nevertheless, most engineers love their work and it is precisely this commitment that compels them to endure the extreme stress and trauma that characterizes life behind the wheel of a railroad engine. Train examines the testimonies of several veteran engineers and contrasts our experience of riding trains with the often gruesome reality of driving them.

Real & Simple
16mm film, black and white
3 minutes


As a teenager, Matt Tago lived on the streets in the Mission district of San Francisco. It didn't take him long to get in trouble: at the age of 18, he was caught with 3 kilograms of cocaine and served 3-and-a half years in state prison. Realizing it is not worth risking his life for money, he found a decent job and now works as a supervisor at San Francisco Conservation Corps, a non-profit outreach program for the youth. This is a story about Matt Tago, who sees his young self in the troubled and confused teenagers, trying to help them get back on the right track.