Tim Toyama (writer) has been produced at The Complex, LATC (Robey Theatre Company) and The Road Theatre Company. Among them his best-known work is Visas and Virtue, inspired by the heroic saga of Holocaust rescuer Chiune “Sempo” Sugihara – known as “The Japanese Schindler.” Adapted to the big screen by actor/director Chris Tashima, the 26-minute cinematic tribute to the heroic diplomat received the Academy Award for Live Action Short Film in 1998. His more recent play, Independence Day, was brought to the screen by Cedar Grove Productions, this time as a half-hour television special for PBS. Inspired by his own father “Zip” Toyama’s World War II experience in a U.S. Internm Holocaust Survivors’ organization. Based on a camp for Japanese Americans, Day of Independence received a Regional Emmy Nomination in 2006, from the NATAS Northern California Chapter, in the category of Historical/Cultural – Program/Special. He co-wrote the screenplay, and served as executive producer on the program, which in addition to its PBS broadcast, has been shown at over sixty international film and video festivals, and has garnered twenty-five awards. He has been honored with awards from various community organizations, including the “Japanese American of the Biennium,” awarded by the National JACL in 2006, a Community Award from the Japanese American Service Committee, of Chicago, Special Recognition from the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center, of Los Angeles, a Visionary Award from East West Players, and a Humanitarian Award.