Guerrilla Motion Pictures

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.

Principles of Resistance: The Gordon Hirabayashi Story 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...

Not All Men - Alternate Key Art

Designed by: Mainstay Graphic Design

***CASTING CALL***

Not All Men – a 30-minute short drama/thriller. Please see the images below for full role breakdowns and project details.

📧 All questions and submissions can be directed to: [email protected]

⏰ Submission deadline: September 30, 2025

Official Selection -  
  
We’re thrilled to share that The Choice That Changed Everything: Shea-Lynn’s Butterfly Effect has been officially selected to screen at the Edmonton International Film Festival - an OSCAR®-qualifying festival happening September 25 – October 5, 2025!  
  
This deeply personal short documentary tells the story of Shea-Lynn, a young woman whose life was forever changed by one decision and how that moment sparked a movement for seatbelt safety.  
  
It’s an honour to be part of our hometown festival, among such incredible storytellers. We can’t wait to share this important story with Edmonton and beyond.  
  
🎟️ Stay tuned for screening details.  
  
  

Reconnecting with land, culture, and survival.

We had the chance to work with Russ McRae of AAROE Survival and Wilderness Travel Adventures for the first video in this year’s Alberta Business Showcase with Business Link AB and what an incredible shoot it was. From fire-making to plant medicine walks, Russ brings traditional Métis knowledge to life in the most grounded and powerful way.

Grateful to help share stories like this. More to come.

Here's a new trailer for a documentary short we've been working on throughout this year for the University of Alberta Sociology Department.
Dr. Gordon Hirabayashi's legacy is one of unwavering courage in the face of injustice. It is a testament of a long life anchored in principle and integrity, and motivated by a deep conviction that societies thrive when justice, peace, and equality are guarded and protected.
We couldn't be more proud to have produced this film and are so thankful for all those that participated in sharing Gordon's story with us. The film will be screening October 3rd to 6th at the National Association of Japanese Canadians conference. An online release will follow after.

Principles of Resistance: The Gordon Hirabayashi Story | Official Trailer