Little Guayule: The Lost Manzanar Rubber Project

About the film

Guayule, a plant native to the desert Southwest, is a natural source of non-latex rubber. During World War II, the Japanese Empire’s occupation of much of Southeast Asia meant that the Allies lost access to major sources of natural rubber. In a remarkable story of skill, resilience, and ingenuity, Japanese Americans incarcerated at Manzanar and elsewhere worked to cultivate guayule and dramatically improve methods for extracting rubber from the plant. Little Guayule: The Lost Manzanar Rubber Project helps bring this little-known chapter of Manzanar history to light.

Cory Shiozaki uncovers how Japanese Americans incarcerated at Manzanar cultivated guayule for rubber during World War II. The October 24 screenings at Manzanar National Historic Site include panel discussions with the director.

Directed by

Cory Shiozaki

US release dates

1. Sat, Oct 24
   Wide release

   Manzanar National Historic Site Screening