A new documentary exploring the life and legacy of Philadelphia activist Kiyoshi Kuromiya will make its world premiere Nov. 5 as the opening-night presentation of the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival.
Titled “KIYOSHI,” the feature-length film chronicles Kuromiya’s decades of activism across civil rights, anti-war protests, gay liberation and HIV/AIDS advocacy. Through archival footage and interviews with his family, friends, fellow activists and scholars, the documentary examines how his experiences shaped a lifelong fight for freedom and equality.
Born in 1943 at a Japanese American incarceration camp in Wyoming during World War II, Kuromiya grew up in Monrovia, California, before moving to Philadelphia in 1961 to attend the University of Pennsylvania. His experiences would help shape a remarkable career as an activist, organizer and advocate for marginalized communities.
Kuromiya marched in Selma alongside the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., later worked with the Black Panthers and participated in one of the nation's earliest gay rights demonstrations, years before the Stonewall uprising. He also organized high-profile protests against the Vietnam War and collaborated with inventor Buckminster Fuller on several books.
In Philadelphia, Kuromiya became a prominent figure in the fight against HIV/AIDS. He co-founded ACT UP Philadelphia, helped establish a 24-hour AIDS treatment hotline and created an online bulletin board system that eventually provided free internet access to thousands of activists and people living with HIV.
His advocacy extended to people behind bars, whom he supported in accessing HIV-related care, and to efforts to expand access to medical marijuana. He also edited ACT UP's medical standard of care, helping ensure that people living with HIV had access to critical treatment information.
In 1996, he challenged provisions of the Communications Decency Act that sought to censor online content, including information about AIDS. His case helped lead to the U.S. Supreme Court striking down key provisions of the law.
Kuromiya died in 2000 in Philadelphia from complications related to AIDS and cancer.
"Kiyoshi Kuromiya's life is a powerful reminder of what it means to stand up for justice, care for one another, and create meaningful change in the face of adversity," said Dr. Darius McLean, executive director at William Way LGBT Community Center, a local nonprofit that partnered on the film. "Sharing Kiyoshi's story ensures that the history of LGBTQIA+ activism in Philadelphia and beyond remains a part of our community's collective memory and continues to inform the future."
Directed by Glenn Holsten, “KIYOSHI” was filmed in Philadelphia, with additional scenes shot at Heart Mountain in Wyoming, the site of the incarceration camp where Kuromiya was born. Teresa Jaynes, Keith Brand, Rob Buscher, Che Gossett and Chris Bartlett are producers.
The film's primary funding comes from The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, alongside support from numerous foundations, organizations and individual donors.
The world premiere is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, at 6:30 p.m. in the Graham Auditorium at Moore College of Art & Design, 1916 Race St., as part of the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival's opening-night program.
Tickets and additional festival information are available online at paaff2026.eventive.org
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