Center for Asian American Media

The mushroom cloud is a familiar image, but photographic evidence of the enduring harm done to people by nuclear weapons has long been suppressed. Combining declassified footage, photographs, drawing and animation, this documentary reimagines the 1945 bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki from the perspective of the victims.
This film unfolds as a series of true stories and musical meditations that engage both heart and mind. Inspired by the Thomas Merton poem of the same title, ORIGINAL CHILD BOMB is a contemplative film about the creation of the nuclear bomb and the human cost of its use. It uses the testimonies of civilians and soldiers at the bomb sites and shares the points of view of young people on the nuclear past and its terrifying present. It is a wake-up call, a summons to consciousness and an invitation to action.

“At a time when the threat of international terrorism involving nuclear weapons is a growing danger, everyone should see this film so that they understand the risk.”

- Robert S. McNamara, former Secretary of Defense

“Original Child Bomb drives home the message through the medium of art that nuclear weapons must never be used again and that the world community should urgently work toward their ultimate elimination.”

- Thomas Graham, Jr., former special
Representative of the President for Arms Control and Nonproliferation

Awards
SilverDocs, Winner, Dramatic Competition
Winner, Top Prize, Human Rights Nights, Bologna, Italy

Recognition
Geneva Human Rights Festival
Tribeca International Film Festival

Related Films
B is for Bomb
The Mushroom Club

College/Institution

K-12/Public Library/Community Group