In this episode of Yin & Young, we chat with Gabriel Toya-Meléndez, an LA-based filmmaker of Puerto Rican and Japanese heritage. Gabriel shares with us his experiences growing up in San Francisco vs Florida, how he got into filmmaking, and how he navigates difference spaces as someone with a mixed background.
Gabriel’s links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japorican1/
“Han” - Short film (Gabriel was the Director of Photography and Editor): https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08CZ4J3GP/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
Highlights:
00:00:00 Introductions and discussion of Gabriel's background: of Japanese and Puerto Rican descent, grew up in San Francisco and Florida, his exposure to both his Japanese and Puerto Rican heritage.
00:05:53 Conservatism in Japanese Americans post WWII. Dad was trying to figure out his identity growing up.
00:07:33 Cultural heritage passed down through food and cooking.
00:09:47 Background on Gabriel’s Japanese grandparents and their relationship.
00:15:01 Gabriel and James share stories about the reluctance of their grandparents generation to talk about WWII.
00:18:11 Connecting to his Puerto Rican heritage through Spanish.
00:20:13 Contrasted his time between Florida and California: in Florida, felt his ethnicity and race was highlighted even more.
00:24:55 Making friends through similar interests: broadcasting, filmmaking. Issues being the token “Asian,” Puerto Rican heritage being disregarded.
00:29:45 Florida's different communities and cultural pockets.
00:32:45 Tokenization and coming into your own identity.
00:35:35 Answering the "where are you from?" question.
00:37:40 First steps into filmmaking.
00:42:43 Life after college: looking for work in film production.
00:45:26 Figuring out what he wants to do in film.
00:49:18 Thoughts on film school.
00:52:52 Film set life.
00:54:14 Gabe moves to LA and reconnects with filmmaking thanks to James.
00:57:36 Advice for those that want to pursue filmmaking.
00:58:58 The filming process for the short film "Han" (link above) and some of the creative influences Gabriel
01:02:59 Working with actor Earl T. Kim.
01:08:45 Enjoying the process.
01:10:58 Advice for young filmmakers.
01:16:41 Some of our favorite films and TV shows.
01:23:26 What's something that helps you keep balanced?
James - Walks in the park.
Gabriel - Training Kendo.
01:26:30 Language Corner:
つけ麺 (tsukemen) is a Japanese dish of dipping noodles. The “tsuke” part of the word means to dip.
いただきます (itadakimasu) is a Japanese phrase said before eating a meal to give thanks. It comes from the verb いただく(itadaku), which means to accept/to receive.
“China” in Puerto Rican Spanish means “oranges” due to the historical link of oranges coming from China.
Chintan ramen (清湯ラーメン) is a Japanese term, derived from Mandarin, meaning “clear broth ramen.”
01:31:41 Advice to those who have mixed backgrounds and may have a hard time fitting in. Gabriel found his people when taking an interest in the arts
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