03/11/2026
OFFICIAL RELEASE – Principles of Resistance: The Gordon Hirabayashi Story
We are incredibly proud to finally share Principles of Resistance: The Gordon Hirabayashi Story, a short documentary exploring the life and legacy of Gordon Hirabayashi - an influential civil rights advocate who courageously challenged the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Set against the backdrop of his decades-long career in Edmonton, this film highlights Dr. Hirabayashi’s enduring commitment to justice, his work advancing human rights, and his role in helping establish the Department of Sociology at the University of Alberta. Through interviews, archival footage, and powerful storytelling, the film celebrates a remarkable man whose principles of resistance continue to inspire new generations.
This project was funded in part by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Community Fund.
The documentary was created as part of the Gordon Hirabayashi Anti-Racism Project, a campus–community collaboration inspired by Dr. Hirabayashi’s legacy and his lifelong dedication to human rights and civil society in Canada.
A huge thank you to the incredible team and partners who helped bring this story to life.
Written & Directed: Justin Kueber
Produced by: Justin Kueber, Terri Rolfson, Oliver Rossier, Walter Davis, Sam Reid
Production: Guerrilla Motion Pictures in partnership with the University of Alberta and Edmonton Japanese Community Association
Narrator: Kevin Takahide Lee
Camera: Sam Reid, Monique Schimpf, Aivree Irvine
Special Thanks:
Edmonton Japanese Community Association
John Humphrey Centre for Peace and Human Rights
National Association of Japanese Canadians
Jeanne Sakata (Hold These Truths, Playwright)
Kevin Takahide Lee (Hold These Truths, Actor)
University of Alberta Partners:
Prince Takamado Japan Centre for Teaching & Research
College of Social Sciences & Humanities
Department of Sociology
Office of the Vice-Provost, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Faculty of Arts
Faculty of Education
Kule Institute for Advanced Study
We are honoured to help share Gordon Hirabayashi’s story and his lasting impact on justice, courage, and civil rights.
This project was funded in part by the Japanese Canadian Legacies Community FundThis documentary was part of the Gordon Hirabayashi Anti-Racism Project, a ca...