14 Facts About Kayo Hatta

Kayo Hatta was an American filmmaker, writer, and community activist.

Kayo Hatta directed and co-wrote the independent dramatic feature-length film Picture Bride, which won the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award in 1995 for Best Dramatic Film.

Kayo Hatta graduated from Stanford University and obtained a master's degree in film from UCLA.

Kayo Hatta describes the long process of developing and finding financing for the film on the DVD version of Picture Bride, released by Miramax Home Entertainment, in 2004.

The DVD includes a "making of" documentary featuring an extensive interview with Kayo Hatta and cast members, archival historical footage, and behind-the-scenes clips from the movie set.

Kayo Hatta was able to enlist the participation of a number of other established actors, such as legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune, and Tamlyn Tomita.

In 1999, Kayo Hatta narrowly lost out on the chance to direct the film adaptation of Snow Falling on Cedars, in which Youki Kudoh played a starring role.

Kayo Hatta was co-producer of the award-winning film "The Olive Harvest", a romantic allegory of Palestinian culture today, directed by Hanna Elias.

Kayo Hatta is remembered for her involvement in social justice issues, and for her mentorship and support for emerging Asian American artists and filmmakers.

Kayo Hatta served on the dramatic film jury at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival.

In 2005, Kayo Hatta completed work on Fishbowl, which she wrote, directed, and co-edited; the film is based on the novel, Wild Meat and the Bully Burgers, by Hawai'i author Lois-Ann Yamanaka.

Kayo Hatta had intended to adapt the novel into a feature-length film but was unable to secure sufficient funding, so she decided to develop a 30-minute short film from a few key episodes in the book.

In July 2005, Kayo Hatta drowned in Encinitas, CA outside of San Diego.

Kayo Hatta did not live to see the reaction to her last work.