
Kayo Hatta
Writing
Known For

Riyo, an orphaned 17-year old, sails from Yokohama to Hawaii in 1918 to marry Matsuji, a man she has never met. Hoping to escape a troubled past and start anew, Riyo is bitterly disappointed upon her arrival: her husband is twice her age. The miserable girl finds solace with her new friend Kana, a young mother who helps Riyo accept her new life.
Picture Bride

A group portrait of filmmakers attend the 1995 Sundance Film Festival. Featuring Matthew Harrison, Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, Todd Haynes, Greg Araki, Abel Ferrara, Atom Egoyan, James Gray, Robert Redford, Haskell Wexler, among many others. Co-directed by Amy Hobby. [Filmed in Pixelvision and blown-up to evocatively grainy 16mm.]
At Sundance

Cultural traditions blend as a Japanese American family celebrates Christmas and a young girl tries to find her place within the family structure.
Otemba

Behind-the-scenes look at the landmark film Picture Bride. Includes interviews with director/co-writer Kayo Hatta and stars Youki Kudoh and Tamlyn Tomita, production footage of Japanese film legend Toshiro Mifune, as well as rarely seen historical footage.
The Making of Picture Bride

Adapted from Lois-Ann Yamanaka’s Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers, this dramatic short follows 13-year-old Lovey of Hilo, Hawaii, as she tries to be anything but herself.