At Sundance this year, Third Act, a profoundly personal documentary by Tadashi Nakamura, premiered to a packed audience, many of whom had personal connections to the subject. Chronicling the life of his father, iconic Asian American filmmaker and mentor Robert “Bob” A. Nakamura as he navigates Parkinson’s disease, the film serves as both a tribute and an unflinching exploration of intergenerational bonds and artistic legacy.
The irresistible team had mixed feelings about seeing this film, as we witness our own mothers cognitive decline, we weren’t sure if we were ready to sit through another family’s painful journey. But watching the Nakamuras before the premiere dissolved any reservations. Tad gently leaned into his father, hand resting on Bob’s shoulder, the bond between father and son strong as ever.
Movies, as an artistic expression, can also be therapeutic, and Third Act is an exquisite portrayal of a father-son relationship woven with reverence, creativity, and honesty. Tad captures both the intimacy of caregiving and the expansive influence of his father’s legacy, offering a narrative that speaks to anyone who has watched the roles of parent and child evolve with time.
There are enough light moments, and Bob’s humour is peppered throughout the film, to delicately keep a balance with the darkness of the story.
Producer Eurie Chung, a former student of Bob’s at UCLA, was drawn to work on the film because of her admiration of Bob’s work. Speaking to Irresistible, she shared, “Bob is the reason I make films. I was in his class over 20 years ago, and now, to complete this film with Tad and present it here, where Bob himself has screened his work—it’s overwhelming. The film is deeply personal yet universally relatable. It’s about honouring your parents, understanding their journey, and finding ways to preserve their joy.”
Premiered at Sundance Film Festival 2025
Director Tadashi Nakamura
Producers Eurie Chung, Tadashi Nakamura
Editor Victoria Chalk
Executive Producers Spencer Nakasako, Diane Quon, Carrie Lozano, Lois Vossen, Donald Young
Supervising Producer David Eisenberg
Consulting Producers Noland Walker, Ursula Liang, Marty Syjuco
Cinematography Tadashi Nakamura, Lou Nakasako, Jess X Snow, Justyn Ah Chong, ʻĀina Paikai, Evan Kodani, Quyên Nguyen-Le
Co-Producers Lou Nakasako, Alexandra Margolin
Associate Producers Gena Hamamoto, Lailanie Gadia
Composer Miles Senzaki
Starring Robert “Bob” A. Nakamura and Tadashi Nakamura and their family.
This sense of full-circle storytelling permeates the film. Through archival footage and reflective moments, Third Act not only chronicles Bob’s contributions to Asian American media but also highlights his influence on a generation of storytellers. His legacy is preserved not just in his films, but in the lives of those he mentored.
Visually, the film is a thoughtful blend of intimacy. Lou Nakasako, a collaborator on the project, explained, “We used lenses with a shallow depth of field to capture the closeness of Tad and Bob’s relationship. At the same time, wide shots of Manzanar’s landscapes were essential to reflect the vastness of Bob’s legacy.”
Manzanar holds significance in Japanese American history as one of the most well-known incarceration camps during World War II, where over 10,000 Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated and confined. Located in California’s Owens Valley, Manzanar serves as a reminder of the systemic injustices faced by Japanese Americans following the signing of Executive Order 9066 in 1942. There were several scenes shot here with the three generations of the Nakamura family, including Tad’s own son Prince, who steals the show with his youthful exuberance. These choices create a delicate balance between the personal and the universal, mirroring the dual narrative of familial connection and cultural impact.
Nakasako’s own experiences lent an added layer of emotional depth to the project. “Like Tad, I’m now more aware of how limited our time with our parents is. This film was a reminder of how much they still have to teach us, even as their roles shift with age.”
Before the screening, Tad Nakamura addressed the audience with an emotional prelude. “This moment has been years in the making,” he began. “After the isolation of COVID, I’ve come to treasure the communal experience of watching films together. Sundance is not just an event—it’s a space for reflection and connection.”
Tad’s gratitude extended to the community of supporters who made the film possible. “I’d like to thank the Centre for Asian American Media, the Japanese American National Museum, and Sundance’s Asian American Fellowship. But most importantly, I’d like to thank my family. Hopefully, you’ll see your own family in our story. Tonight, I invite you to close your eyes and think of a loved one—past, present, or future—who you wish could be here. Let’s hold them in this space with us.”
Speaking to Irresistible, producer Eurie Chung reflected on the five-year journey of bringing Third Act to life. “When Tad first approached me, the vision was clear but evolving. Documentaries have a way of growing organically, and this one was no exception.”
Lou Nakasako added, “As the son of a filmmaker, I understood the emotional complexity of Tad’s story. It’s not just about filmmaking—it’s about time, legacy, and connection. The intimacy of the story required a delicate touch, and I think we found that balance.”
For Tad, the process of making the film was as much about healing as it was about storytelling. “There were times when it felt overwhelming,” he admitted. “But I reminded myself that this story is bigger than me. It’s about honouring a community, a history, and a shared desire to preserve what matters.”
While Third Act is deeply rooted in the Asian American experience, its themes transcend cultural boundaries. The film captures the delicate act of caregiving, the bittersweet nature of life’s later stages, and the gratitude that comes with understanding a parent’s journey.
In one scene, in particular, Tad helps Bob navigate a film set, their roles now reversed from the days when Bob taught Tad the art of filmmaking. It’s a poignant reminder of the cyclical nature of life.
In response to an audience question about the emotional toll of making the film, Tad said, “Being here with all of you feels surreal. After the past few years, this moment reminds me why we tell stories. It’s about finding meaning in the chaos and creating something lasting.”
Eurie Chung emphasised the collaborative spirit that made the project possible. “Bob’s legacy isn’t just his films—it’s the community he built and the inspiration he gave to his students. This film is our way of saying thank you.”
Lou Nakasako shared a personal reflection. “In my youth, I distanced myself from my parents, but as I grew older, I began to see their wisdom and the importance of those relationships. This film was a chance to honour that.”
When asked to sum up the film in one word, Tad responded without hesitation: “Moving.”
Third Act transcends the boundaries of documentary filmmaking. It is a masterful reflection on the power of storytelling, the complexities of familial relationships, and the enduring impact of artistic legacy. Bob Nakamura’s influence, as captured through Tad’s lens, is profound and far-reaching, resonating with anyone who has ever grappled with the weight of history and the passage of time.
