Help Bring Desolate Dreams to the Screen
Desolate Dreams is inspired by true events and follows African American journalist Robert Parker and his friendship with a Japanese American family as they are forced from their home and sent to incarceration camps during World War II.
With nearly half of our production budget secured, we are raising the remaining funds needed this summer to complete pre-production and begin principal photography.
More than a short film, Desolate Dreams is part of a larger storytelling initiative dedicated to preserving an overlooked chapter of American history and fostering dialogue around civil liberties, journalism, and cross-cultural solidarity. The project will also expand through an educational website that provides historical context and learning resources inspired by the film.
Written and directed by Capital Emmy-nominated filmmaker Kiyoka "Kex" Rhodes, Desolate Dreams explores the human impact of incarceration through the lens of friendship, journalism, and resilience.
As a half-Black and Japanese filmmaker, Rhodes is committed to preserving and sharing these stories while bringing greater awareness to this important chapter of American history.
