Thank you to everyone who attended our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary screening at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) / Tateuchi Democracy Center!
It was very special to share our film with you at JANM in Little Tokyo, which we think of as home—a homecoming for us before we release our film at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show.
Thank you so much to Oliver Wang, the curator of the groundbreaking “Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community,” for all your support!
Many thanks to the entire JANM team for an incredible event, including Joy Yamaguchi, Sherrill Ingalls, Evan Kodani, Chay Wright, John & Amy Esaki, Doug Mukai, Lynn Yamazaki, and all the generous JANM volunteers.
Special thanks to Glen Tao for documenting our event.
Congratulations to JANM as it closes out their amazing exhibit on Sunday, 12/14/2025! Catch it while you can.
To attend “Cruising J-Town”:
https://www.janm.org/exhibits/cruising-j-town?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22589601497&gbraid=0AAAAABgkTlMLcl2eHMNvrd4hWS96o1Veh&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmYzIBhC6ARIsAHA3IkTV7fbGkCddUXmrbPXFjJdh3227HmMV8uHjarHLFABJx6OGMTc0hwEaAvcSEALw_wcB
To attend the MOONEYES Christmas Party on Saturday, 12/20/2025, where we’ll be exhibiting:
http://mooneyes.com/mui-xmas2025/
“CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES DOCUMENTARY TO SCREEN AT ANALOG&GRIT
We’re thrilled to announce that Analog&Grit Collector Car Storage Club will be presenting a special screening of our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary at their headquarters in San Diego, California on Sunday, 1/25/2026.
In the film, Shige Suganuma and Chico Kodama, two Japanese/Japanese American hot rodders, helped save Moon Equipment Company, an iconic American speed parts company, rebrand it as MOONEYES, preserve legendary founder Dean Moon's legacy, and popularize hot rod culture in Asia. In 2025, MOONEYES celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Elana Scherr, the Senior Editor/Features, of “Car and Driver,” sums up the film perfectly: “American and Japanese Hot Rodding Meet in New MOONEYES Documentary.”
“Craft of Speed” was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the International Motor Film Awards 2025 and won a Silver Remi Award at the World-Fest Houston International Film Festival 2024.
Founded by Josh Sistar and Nick Nesbitt, Analog&Grit is a spacious car storage location, inviting social club, and dynamic event space. Best of all, it’s a thriving car community hub.
The screening will be after their popular monthly Sunday Grit Cars & Coffee event, which draws many special cars and passionate attendees.
In addition, there will be a curated car showcase, featuring Chico Kodama’s record-setting land speed race car (1533), a rear engine modified roadster.
We’re also honored to exhibit a selection of race cars from the legendary Bean Bandits. Founded by Joaquin Arnett in the 1950s, this respected car club from the Logan Heights, San Diego area won more than 300 races and set multiple land speed records.
Prior to the screening, there will be a lively discussion with director Ming Lai and Willie Masayoshi Dorsey, a respected builder, about legendary Fred Larsen, a MOONEYES machinist, builder, racer, and multiple land speed record holder. Fred also helped build the first Shelby Cobra at MOON Equipment Company.
Willie restored Fred’s 1927 Ford Model T Roadster A115, a land speed race car that set a record every year from 1959 to 1964 and is now on display at the NHRA Motorsports Museum.
We’ll also have limited copies of the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary DVD and Photography Book for sale.
Thank you so much to Josh Sistar, Nick Nesbitt, and Analog&Grit for helping bring our film to the San Diego community. A heartfelt thank you to Ian and Cindy Delos Santos for their thoughtful introduction to Josh and Nick. Special thanks to Willie Masayoshi Dorsey for sharing his fond memories of Fred Larsen. Many thanks to the Bean Bandits for their inspiration. As always, our deepest gratitude to Shige Suganuma, Chico Kodama, and MOONEYES for all their support.
“CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AT ANALOG&GRIT
ANALOG&GRIT
San Diego, California
Sunday, 1/25/2026
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.: Sunday Grit Cars & Coffee
2:00 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. Discussion with the Bean Bandits, builder Willie Masayoshi Dorsey, and filmmaker Ming Lai
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Film Screening
*This schedule and details may change because we’re still planning this special event.
Analog&Grit Collector Car Storage Club
3094 Commercial Street
San Diego, CA 92102
To learn more about Analog&Grit:
analogandgrit.com / @analogandgrit
To learn more about “Craft of Speed”:
craftofspeed.com / @humanistfilms
To buy tickets to the Analog&Grit “Craft of Speed” screening:
https://app.plots.events/event/craftofspeedthestoryofmooneyes
TREASURE MAP: THE “CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES DOCUMENTARY TO EXHIBIT AT THE YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW / INTERNATIONAL VILLAGE.
The “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary will be exhibiting at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show in their International Village area on Sunday, 12/7/2025. We’ll be in Booth K23.
We’ll be releasing our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary DVD and its companion “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book.
We’ll also be releasing our film exclusively on Vimeo.
Stop by our booth, say hello, and celebrate MOONEYES’ 75th anniversary. The ultimate treasure is being able to enjoy this special event together.
YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW / “CRAFT OF SPEED” EXHIBITOR
Yokohama, Japan
Sunday, 12/7/2025
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pacifico Yokohama
1-1-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku
Yokohama 220-0012, Japan
To attend the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show:
yokohamahotrodcustomshow.com
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary DVD:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/dvd
To watch the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary with English subtitles/captions on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/craftofspeed
To watch the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary with Japanese subtitles/captions on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/craftofspeedjapanese
“CRAFT OF SPEED” TO SCREEN AT THE JANM / TATEUCHI DEMOCRACY CENTER BEFORE ITS YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW RELEASE
Watch our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary at the beautiful Japanese American National Museum (JANM) / Tateuchi Democracy Center in Little Tokyo, Los Angeles on Tuesday, 12/2/2025, at 7:00 p.m. before it’s released at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show, the largest gathering of MOONEYES fans in the world. Before the screening, we’ll have a lively discussion with Oliver Wang, the curator of JANM’s groundbreaking “Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community” exhibit, Chico Kodama, the President of MOONEYES USA, and Ming Lai, the director. We’ll also have limited copies of the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary DVD and Photography Book for sale. It’s a wonderful send-off in Little Tokyo before we release our film in Japan. Join us for this special event.
“CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AT JANM / TATEUCHI DEMOCRACY CENTER
JANM / Tateuchi Democracy Center
Little Tokyo, California
Tuesday, 12/2/2025, 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
JANM / Tateuchi Democracy Center
100 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Parking is behind the center or in adjacent lots.
To attend the screening:
https://www.janm.org/events/2025-12-02/screening-craft-speed-documentary-about-mooneyes
BEHIND-THE-SHOT: LATHE TAILSTOCK AT THE MOONEYES MACHINE SHOP
We created this timeless photograph of a vintage lathe tailstock in the historic MOONEYES Machine Shop during the filming of our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary. It helped inspire our companion “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book. This and the other mid-century metalworking machines in the shop are an incredible sight to behold—like powerful metal sculpture. They’ve become even more distinguished through their constant use and old age. We wanted to document them and preserve them for history, treating them like works of art in their own right. This is one of the many unforgettable images in our new “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary and Photography Book. See it on the big screen at the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) / Tateuchi Democracy Center on Tuesday, 12/2/2025, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.
To attend the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary Screening at the JANM / Tateuchi Democracy Center on Tuesday, 12/2/2025, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m.:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/newsarchive/cruising-j-town-with-mooneyes-and-craft-of-speed
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary on DVD:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/dvd
To watch the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary with English subtitles/captions on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/craftofspeed
To watch the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary with Japanese subtitles/captions on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/craftofspeedjapanese
THE FINISH LINE: “CRAFT OF SPEED” TO BE RELEASED AT THE YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW
Thanks to all your love and support, we’re releasing “Craft of Speed” at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show in Yokohama, Japan, the largest gathering of MOONEYES fans in the world, on Sunday, 12/7/2025. This year is special because MOONEYES is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
We’re releasing our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary on DVD and streaming exclusively via Vimeo.
The DVD will offer English and Japanese subtitles/captions. We’ll have limited copies at the show.
There will be two versions of the film streaming on Vimeo—one with “burned in” English subtitles/captions and another with “burned in” Japanese subtitles/captions—both to increase accessibility. Streaming will start on the day of the show—Sunday, 12/7/2025.
We’re also releasing our companion “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book. We’ll have limited copies at the show.
For those in Los Angeles, we’ll be screening our film at the beautiful Japanese American National Museum (JANM) / Tateuchi Democracy Center in Little Tokyo on Tuesday, 12/2/2025, 7:00 - 9:30 p.m. We’ll have limited copies of the DVD and book at the screening.
Thank you to everyone for joining us on this incredible journey and helping us get to the finish line.
To attend the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary Screening at the JANM / Tateuchi Democracy Center:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/newsarchive/cruising-j-town-with-mooneyes-and-craft-of-speed
To watch the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary with English subtitles/captions on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/craftofspeed
To watch the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary with Japanese subtitles/captions on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/ondemand/craftofspeedjapanese
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary on DVD:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/dvd
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook
"CRAFT OF SPEED": FUELED BY GRATITUDE
As we enter the holidays, we’re filled with gratitude. We’re very thankful for everyone who’s supported “Craft of Speed,” an expansive multimedia project that encompasses a feature documentary, cinema events, a documentary photography series, a photography book, and more. Our deepest appreciation to Shige Suganuma, Chico Kodama, and the entire MOONEYES family; our crew; our fiscal sponsor, the International Documentary Association; our grantors, California Humanities CA Cares and Doc Society; our donors; our supporters; and our many community partners. Our project wouldn’t be possible without your love and support. Many thanks to you and your families during this holiday season.
These photos are from our recent CineMakina: “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary Screening, presented by Makina Drivers Club, at Hagerty Garage + Social in Van Nuys, California.
craftofspeed.com
“CRUISING J-TOWN” WITH MOONEYES AND “CRAFT OF SPEED”
We’ve had the honor of working with the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) on their groundbreaking “Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community” exhibit at the Art Center College of Design / Peter & Merle Mullin Gallery.
One of our photos of Shige Suganuma, the owner of MOONEYES, and Chico Kodama, the President of MOONEYES USA, and their record-setting land speed race cars at the historic MOONEYES headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, California is in the exhibit as well as their companion book.
This year, MOONEYES, which was founded in 1950 and now has headquarters in both Santa Fe Springs, California and Yokohama, Japan and dealerships throughout the world, celebrates its 75th anniversary. This legendary company is part of the larger Japanese American story that is celebrated in the “Cruising J-Town” exhibit.
This popular exhibit has been extended until Sunday, 12/14/2025.
As part of the extensive programming of the exhibit, our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary will be screening at the beautiful JANM / Tateuchi Democracy Center on Tuesday, 12/2/2025, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
After the film, there will be an engaging conversation with Oliver Wang, the curator of the exhibit, Chico Kodama, the President of MOONEYES USA, and Ming Lai, the director.
We’ll also have copies of our new “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book, photographed by Ming Lai and designed by Sven Igawa.
Growing up in Los Angeles near Little Tokyo, we loved cruising J-Town and enjoying Japanese American culture, especially during the festival season. Now, with your support, we can help preserve this rich history and beautiful culture.
Thank you to Oliver Wang, Sherrill Ingalls, Joy Yamaguchi, and the entire JANM team for the opportunity to work with you on this important project.
“CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AT JANM / TATEUCHI DEMOCRACY CENTER
JANM / Tateuchi Democracy Center
Little Tokyo, California
Tuesday, 12/2/2025, 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
JANM / Tateuchi Democracy Center
100 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Parking is behind the center or in adjacent lots.
To attend the screening:
https://www.janm.org/events/2025-12-02/screening-craft-speed-documentary-about-mooneyes
To order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO ATTENDED THE PERFECT EXPOSURE GALLERY’S “AESTHETICS 2025” ANNUAL GROUP EXHIBIT!
Thank you to everyone who attended The Perfect Exposure Gallery’s “Aesthetics 2025” Annual Group Exhibit!. I’m always inspired by the incredible work of my fellow exhibiting photographers. My “University of California, San Diego (UCSD) / Geisel Library” image along with the rest of the amazing photographs in this exhibit will be on display and for sale until Sunday, 1/25/2026.
The iconic UCSD / Geisel Library is the crown jewel of the university. The celebrated architect, William Pereira, also designed the landmark Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco, Theme Building at the Los Angeles International Airport, and Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). With its brutalist/futurist design, he sought to “convey to future generations the idea of the power and permanency of the knowledge contained inside it.” Interpreted in black-and-white, this image tries to express the architect’s powerful vision.
Thank you again to Armando Arorizo, Gia Trovela, Alejandra Lopez, and The Perfect Exposure Gallery for this wonderful opportunity to share my work.
MING LAI PHOTOGRAPH AT THE PERFECT EXPOSURE GALLERY’S “AESTHETICS 2025” ANNUAL GROUP EXHIBIT
THE PERFECT EXPOSURE GALLERY
Alhambra, California
On Display:
Saturday, 11/22/2025 - Sunday, 1/25/2026
Opening Reception:
Saturday, 11/22/2025, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Perfect Exposure Gallery
2425 W. Valley Blvd.
Alhambra, CA 91803
For exhibit information and sales inquiries:
http://www.theperfectexposuregallery.com/home/
To order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook
ANNOUNCING THE “CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES DOCUMENTARY DVD
Many people have asked if we’ll be releasing our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary on physical media. So we created a DVD especially for you. Most streaming companies don’t carry independent documentaries. If they do, they offer them for only a short period of time. This is a way to own the film and put it in your own collection. Designed by Sven Igawa, the DVD features a beautiful case which houses a DVD that looks like a MOON Disc. The DVD offers English and Japanese subtitles/captions to increase accessibility.
We plan to officially release the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary DVD at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show in Yokohama, Japan on Sunday, 12/7/2025. However, we will have limited copies at our upcoming events.
We’ll be accepting pre-orders of our DVD from now until the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show. We’ll start shipping the DVDs after we return from the show. Be one of the first to receive a copy of “Craft of Speed” on DVD.
Depending on the demand, we may release our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary on Blu-ray in the future.
craftofspeed.com
A Humanist Films, LLC Production
A Ming Lai Film
Shige Suganuma, Chico Kodama, and Dean Moon, Jr.
Sound Supervisor Jeff Hutchins
Re-Recording Mixer Bruce Greenspan, CAS
Design Director Sven Igawa
Music by Sven Faulconer and Anthony Loomis
Director of Photography Ming Lai and Tuan Tran
Produced by Ming Lai and Tuan Tran
Written, Edited, and Directed by Ming Lai
Color and Black & White
Standard Definition Widescreen
2.39:1 Aspect Ratio
English
5.1 Surround Sound
English & Japanese Closed Captioning*
110 Minutes
Not Rated
DVD
NTSC Region ALL
*Please note that the captioning is in 4-bit resolution, based on DVD technology.
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES DVD:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/dvd
MING LAI PHOTOGRAPH ON DISPLAY AT THE PERFECT EXPOSURE GALLERY’S “AESTHETICS 2025” GROUP EXHIBIT
I’m thrilled to be a part of The Perfect Exposure Gallery’s “Aesthetics 2025” Annual Group Exhibit on Saturday, 11/22/2025. They will be displaying my black-and-white photograph of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) / Geisel Library. This image is part of a continuing series of architecture photographs.
One of my heroes, the legendary photographer and master printer Ansel Adams, famously said, “The negative is the equivalent of the composer’s score, and the print is the performance.” I’d like to acknowledge the virtuoso work of Alejandra Lopez, my printer at The Perfect Exposure Studio (TPES). I’d also like to thank Gia Trovela, who beautifully framed my print at TPES. I always appreciate the support of owner Armando Arorizo and his talented team at TPES.
In addition to this “UCSD / Geisel Library” photograph, my latest work is the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book, a companion book to my “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary. The book was designed by my longtime friend and award-winning graphic designer, Sven Igawa of Igawa Design.
MING LAI PHOTOGRAPH AT THE PERFECT EXPOSURE GALLERY’S “AESTHETICS 2025” ANNUAL GROUP EXHIBIT
THE PERFECT EXPOSURE GALLERY
Alhambra, California
On Display:
Saturday, 11/22/2025 - Sunday, 1/25/2026
Opening Reception:
Saturday, 11/22/2025, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Perfect Exposure Gallery
2425 W. Valley Blvd.
Alhambra, CA 91803
To learn more about The Perfect Exposure Gallery:
theperfectexposuregallery.com
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook
THE MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE: THE “CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES DOCUMENTARY TO SCREEN AT THE JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM / TATEUCHI DEMOCRACY FORUM.
We’re very honored to screen our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary at the beautiful Japanese American National Museum (JANM) / Tateuchi Democracy Center on Tuesday, 12/2/2025. Located in historic Little Tokyo, JANM is an incredible museum about the Japanese American experience. The museum is a strong leader in our community.
Its elegant Tateuchi Democracy Center has played host to many visionary filmmakers, talented artists, and brilliant thinkers. Over the years, we’ve attended many events there and been profoundly inspired. We’re humbled to be on this same respected stage.
We hope through our cinema event at this special venue, we can help preserve not only hot rod history but also Japanese and Japanese American history as well as promote both cultures.
After the film, there will be an engaging conversation with JANM’s “Cruising J-Town” Curator Oliver Wang, President of MOONEYES USA Chico Kodama, and director Ming Lai. There will also be limited copies of the new “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book by photographer Ming Lai and graphic designer Sven Igawa available for sale.
We deeply appreciate the opportunity to work with JANM, Oliver Wang, Joy Yamaguchi, Sherril Ingalls, and its entire team.
“CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AT JANM / TATEUCHI DEMOCRACY CENTER
JANM / Tateuchi Democracy Center
Little Tokyo, California
Tuesday, 12/2/2025, 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
JANM / Tateuchi Democracy Center
100 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Parking is behind the center or in adjacent lots.
To attend the screening:
https://www.janm.org/events/2025-12-02/screening-craft-speed-documentary-about-mooneyes
To order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook
“CRAFT OF SPEED” TO EXHIBIT AT THE YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW
The “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary will be exhibiting at the Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show in Yokohama, Japan on Sunday, 12/7/2025. It’s one of the largest gatherings of MOONEYES fans in the world. This year is special because MOONEYES is celebrating its 75th anniversary.
For this special occasion, we’re excited to announce that we’ll be releasing the film on DVD and the companion “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book at the show. We’ll also be releasing the film on streaming via Vimeo.
Many people have asked if we’ll be releasing the film on physical media. So we created a “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES DVD especially for you. Most streaming companies don’t carry independent documentaries. If they do, they offer them for only a short period of time. This is a way to own the film and put it in your own collection. Designed by Sven Igawa, the DVD features a beautiful case which houses a DVD disc that looks like a MOON Disc.
We’ll also be releasing the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book. This book documents the world of MOONEYES, from famous MOONEYES headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, California to Shige Suganuma, the owner of MOONEYES, conducting a test & tune of his MOONEYES Dragster at the beloved Irwindale Dragstrip in Irwindale, California to Chico Kodama, the President of MOONEYES USA, building and racing his rear engine modified roadster at the epic Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah. The book features 156 pages and 127 images, with photographs by the filmmaker/photographer, Ming Lai, and graphic design by Sven Igawa.
In addition, we’ll be releasing the film on streaming exclusively via Vimeo. We’ve chosen this video platform because it offers the highest quality to viewers and fair payment to independent filmmakers. There will be two versions available to increase accessibility—one with “burned in” English captions and another with “burned in” Japanese captions. To stream the film: craftofspeed.com
We’ll be offering special prices at the show for the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES DVD and “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book. After the show, they will be available on our site: craftofspeed.com. They’re the perfect gift for MOONEYES fans.
Thank you to everyone for making “Craft of Speed” possible: Shige Suganuma, Chico Kodama, and the MOONEYES family; our crew; our fiscal sponsor, the International Documentary Association; our grantors, California Humanities CA CARES Relief Grant and Doc Society; our donors; and all our supporters.
YOKOHAMA HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW / “CRAFT OF SPEED” EXHIBITOR
Yokohama, Japan
Sunday, 12/7/2025
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Pacifico Yokohama
1-1-1 Minato Mirai, Nishi-ku
Yokohama 220-0012, Japan
To learn more:
yokohamahotrodcustomshow.com
ANNOUNCING THE “CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AT THE JAPANESE AMERICAN NATIONAL MUSEUM / TATEUCHI DEMOCRACY CENTER
We’re excited to announce that our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary will be screening at the beautiful Japanese American National Museum (JANM) / Tateuchi Democracy Center on Tuesday, 12/2/2025.
We’re deeply honored to work with JANM. We love their strong leadership in our community and their important work in preserving Japanese American history and culture.
MOONEYES is part of JANM’s groundbreaking “Cruising J-Town: Behind the Wheel of the Nikkei Community” exhibit at the Peter & Merle Mullin Gallery at the ArtCenter College of Design, which has been extended to Sunday, 12/14/2025. They are also in the companion book of the same name.
After the screening, there will be an engaging conversation with Oliver Wang, the curator of the exhibit, Chico Kodama, the President of MOONEYES USA, and Ming Lai, the director of the film.
We'll also soft launch our companion “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book. The book documents the world of MOONEYES as it celebrates it 75th anniversary in 2025, from the famous MOONEYES headquarters in Santa Fe Springs, California to Shige Suganuma, the Owner of MOONEYES, conducting a test & tune of his MOONEYES Dragster at the beloved Irwindale Dragstrip in Irwindale, California to Chico Kodama, the President of MOONEYES USA, building and racing his new rear engine modified roadster at the epic Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah.
We’re thrilled to be able to share our film with JANM members and our local community. We think of Little Tokyo where JANM is located as our home. As a community screening, the tickets are low cost. Please consider joining or donating to JANM to continue their vital work.
“CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AT JANM / TATEUCHI DEMOCRACY CENTER
JANM / Tateuchi Democracy Center
Little Tokyo, California
Tuesday, 12/2/2025, 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
JANM / Tateuchi Democracy Center
100 North Central Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Parking is behind the center or in adjacent lots.
To learn more and buy tickets to the screening:
https://www.janm.org/events/2025-12-02/screening-craft-speed-documentary-about-mooneyes
To learn more about the JANM “Cruising J-Town” Exhibit:
https://www.janm.org/exhibits/cruising-j-town?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22589601497&gbraid=0AAAAABgkTlMLcl2eHMNvrd4hWS96o1Veh&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmYzIBhC6ARIsAHA3IkTV7fbGkCddUXmrbPXFjJdh3227HmMV8uHjarHLFABJx6OGMTc0hwEaAvcSEALw_wcB
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUPPORTED OUR CINEMAKINA: “CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES DOCUMENTARY SCREENING AT HAGERTY GARAGE + SOCIAL, PRESENTED BY MAKINA DRIVERS CLUB!
Thank you to everyone who attended, shared, and supported our CineMakina: “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary Screening at Hagerty Garage + Social, presented by Makina Drivers Club!
Thank you so much to our gracious hosts at Hagerty Garage + Social in Van Nuys, California (@garageandsocial_vannuys)! Thank you to Brian Kadorian, Dan Havis, David Schulman, Arthur, and Hagerty (@hagerty) for your warm hospitality.
Many thanks to Max Guerrero and The Oinkster (@theoinkster), Aaron & Jill Espino and Set the Bar (@setthebarlosangeles), and Ron Dizon and Teofilo Coffee Company (@teofilocoffeecompany) for your gourmet food and beverages.
It was our pleasure to help @sundayseventy raise awareness about mental health.
A shout-out to Achilles Aurelius of Manila Sound (@manilasound.la) for creating the relaxing vibe.
Thank you to all the drag racers from the upcoming MOONEYES Christmas Party & Drag Race for displaying your amazing race cars.
Special thanks to Anthony Ngo of 8th & Santa Fe (@8thandsantafe) for their audio visual support, Scott Tillett for his marketing and A/V support, Gary Israelian for being our constant hero, and Ian & Cindy Delos Santos for their generous assistance.
Our deepest gratitude to our longtime friend, Sven Igawa of Igawa Design (@igawadesign), for creating our beautiful “Craft of Speed” Photography Book and all the design for our multimedia project.
It was our great honor to have Darryl Roth and his lovely wife as our Special Guests to talk about his legendary father, Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, artist, pinstriper, car designer, and creator of the counterculture icon, Rat Fink.
As always, “doumo arigatou gozaimashita” (Japanese for “thank you very much”) to Shige Suganuma, Chico Kodama, and the MOONEYES Family for all your love and support.
Finally, a heartfelt thank you to Nick Tolosa and family of Makina Drivers Club (@makinadriversclub) for making this cinema event possible, which is no small feat. Thank you for your great friendship, inspiring passion, and deep love for the community.
To attend our upcoming screening at the Japanese National Museum on Tuesday, 12/2/2025:
https://www.janm.org/events/2025-12-02/screening-craft-speed-documentary-about-mooneyes
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook
MING LAI PHOTOGRAPH A PART OF THE PERFECT EXPOSURE GALLERY’S “AESTHETICS 2025” ANNUAL GROUP EXHIBIT
I’m very honored to participate in The Perfect Exposure Gallery’s “Aesthetics 2025” Annual Group Exhibit, which opens on Saturday, 11/22/2025 and is on display until Sunday, 1/25/2026. They will be exhibiting my black-and-white photograph of the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) / Geisel Library. This transcendent piece of architecture is the centerpiece of the respected university. My goal was to convey the power of the brutalist/futurist building, designed by visionary architect William Pereira. His prolific work includes the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco, Theme Building at the Los Angeles International Airport, and Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
My “UCSD / Geisel Library” image is part of an ongoing series of architecture photographs—an intensive study of architecture. In addition to this photograph, my latest work is the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book, a companion book to my “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary. The book was designed by my longtime friend and award-winning graphic designer, Sven Igawa of Igawa Design. Thank you to Armando Arorizo, Gia Trovela, Alejandra Lopez, and The Perfect Exposure Gallery for their support of my work.
MING LAI PHOTOGRAPH AT THE PERFECT EXPOSURE GALLERY’S “AESTHETICS 2025” ANNUAL GROUP EXHIBIT
THE PERFECT EXPOSURE GALLERY
Alhambra, California
On Display:
Saturday, 11/22/2025 - Sunday, 1/25/2026
Opening Reception:
Saturday, 11/22/2025, 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
The Perfect Exposure Gallery
2425 W. Valley Blvd.
Alhambra, CA 91803
To learn more about The Perfect Exposure Gallery:
theperfectexposuregallery.com
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook
COMMUNITY OVER CARS: AL-MICHAEL FRANCO AND WALTER FRANCO OF NAMSAYIN
We had the honor of partnering with brothers Al-Michael Franco and Walter Franco of Namsayin to screen our “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary at Griot’s Garage in Tacoma, Washington. We were introduced to them by Tad Matsuno of MOONEYES Hawaii. Thanks to the brothers and Scott Valen and Guy DeVivo of Griot’s Garage, a respected car care products brand, we were able to share our film with the Pacific Northwest.
During the planning of our cinema event, we had the pleasure of getting to know the brothers. We couldn’t help but be inspired by their unique community-based automotive lifestyle brand. They organize dynamic automotive events, create coveted apparel and merchandise, and engage in innovative automotive design projects. Best of all, they build strong community through them.
After our successful event, we relaxed and talked with Al-Michael about what inspired them to create their popular brand, what the car scene is like in the Pacific Northwest, and how they help serve the community. It’s no wonder why Tad introduced us to them—they’re just like family.
*The answers have been edited with their permission for clarity.
How did you get into cars?
Our dad, Albert Franco. Growing up, we would see him fix and modify cars. Some personal cars and family members cars.
What is the car scene like in the Pacific Northwest?
I would say it’s always evolving. We have a good mixture of old and new (people and cars). There is something for everyone, whether it be a small niche of vehicle to the more iconic cult car following, it’s here.
What inspired you to create Namsayin?
Let’s see, it was about early 2005. I just graduated college, received my Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering. Soon after, I was offered a job with Boeing. My brother was at Art Center College of Design in Pasadena pursuing his Transportation Design degree. For him, leaving Seattle far away from his family, I know was a tough one. If there was any chance he could end up coming back here to Seattle or if I started something where he can take to California, I started Namsayin in hopes that it would do just that. So here we are.
What does Namsayin mean?
Short slang for “Do you know what I am saying?” It’s like an emphasis word you can use to show more love/interest in.
There are a lot of new and established brands in the automotive space. How is your brand different?
We are community based, and our brand reflects that. We like to try to highlight all the small businesses in our area or the areas we go into. We like to teach and share resources. We like to empower others to do the same in their own communities.
Your tagline is “Community over Cars.” How did you come up with it?
I’ll credit this one to Walt. He came up with this tagline and each time I hear or read it, I’m always like, “Wow, Walt really hit it out of the park with that one.”
How can car culture help build community?
I think with culture in general, being a part of something positive, it will always build community. Having someone who doesn’t know anything about car culture and being able to go into a space where they can feel like they are part of something regardless of how long they have been into cars is a great start. Meaning we are all students in life, and we can always learn something from one another.
How does being brothers factor into your work on Namsayin?
I think we can both rely on each other to get things done. We have a nice balance of ideas/vision.
You have automotive design and engineering backgrounds. How do they assist you in your work on Namsayin?
Just as mentioned before, the combination is a good balance especially in the car world. You have the engineers and the designers. We have our methodologies that work well and speak volumes when implemented.
What types of car projects have you worked on in the past?
Lots of personal projects for myself. From removing and replacing components, to painting and doing body work, to full engine swaps and rebuilds.
What types of car events have you organized in the past?
We have done collaborations with local brands/restaurants in the Seattle and Greater Seattle area and sprinkled with some car culture. We also went outside of the area and even internationally to highlight other communities in like California, New York, Texas, Arizona, Illinois, Hawaii, Vancouver BC, Philippines, and Japan.
We have done two styles of gatherings which are still current to this day: Community Connections where we highlight a small business, and our South Side Car Cruise where we gather at a start point and then cruise to a small business or area.
How is apparel design an expression of your brand?
Apparel design is best conveyed by our designer, Walter Franco. He has the eye to convey a message with little to few words. That’s the genius to his designs/artwork.
You recently hosted a “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary screening at Griot’s Garage. How was it working with this iconic brand?
First and foremost, it is the highest honor to have worked with and to be trusted in using the MOONEYES iconic logo in collaboration to commemorate the event. When everyone has the same energy, the interaction becomes organic. Taking a page from Shige-san and Chico-san—friends first. Now we are family.
What do you envision for the future of Namsayin?
Overall: To continue automotive culture so it can be passed down to the next generation and being able to be good role models for other communities to embody.
To learn more about Namsayin:
namsayin.com / @namsayin
To attend the CineMakina: “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary Screening, presented by Makina Drivers Club, on Saturday, 11/8/2025 at Hagerty Garage + Social in Van Nuys, California:
https://craftofspeed.eventive.org
BEHIND-THE-SHOT: CHICO KODAMA & THE MOONEYES TEAM AT THE BONNEVILLE START LINE
We took this suspenseful photo during the filming of the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary. Chico Kodama, the President of MOONEYES USA, and his MOONEYES Team are waiting at the start line of the World Finals at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats. His Crew Chief, Tim McManus, who helped him build his new rear engine modified roadster #1533, is talking with him. Dean Moon, Jr., the son of legendary hot rodder Dean Moon, is assisting. In the background are two rocket-shaped streamliners. The yellow one is Team Vesco #444 EV, one of the world’s fastest electric streamliners. It felt like you were looking at the past, present, and future at the same time. This is one of the many incredible images in the new “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book.
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook
To attend the CineMakina: “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary Screening, presented by Makina Drivers Club, on Saturday, 11/8/2025 at Hagerty Garage + Social in Van Nuys, California:
https://craftofspeed.eventive.org
FROM INDEPENDENT FILMMAKING TO INDEPENDENT PUBLISHING—THE “CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES PHOTOGRAPHY BOOK
We’re proud to say that we’re independent filmmakers. We independently produced the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary. That is, we didn’t have any financial support from the film studios or TV networks in making the film. Nor did we receive any documentary grants. So we had a very small budget and limited resources to accomplish this extremely ambitious film project.
Because we believe in the importance of the project, we self-funded most of it, despite not having deep pockets. That is not to say that we didn’t have any help. While the idea of a solo filmmaker fighting against the system to make a film is romantic, independent filmmakers are highly dependent on others to create one. We’re deeply grateful to our documentary subjects, crew, fiscal sponsor, donors, and supporters.
Because we envisioned “Craft of Speed” as an expansive multimedia project, we’re also independently publishing a photography book in addition to having produced the feature documentary. We’re not working with a big publisher. Instead, we’re publishing it under our own new imprint—Humanist Films X Igawa Design. Which means that we’re working with a tiny budget and very little resources, again.
The trade-off for being independent is creative control. Like retaining final cut of our film, we have total creative control of our photography book. Our goal is to create an exceptional photography book to document MOONEYES’ important history that aspires to the level of art. We also strive to offer MOONEYES fans not just a beautiful documentary photography book but more so a rich experience that invites revisiting.
Independent filmmaking and publishing are extremely challenging. It’s not for the faint of heart or light of wallet. But it’s worth it to tell the stories that inspire you—like the incredible story of MOONEYES. Powerful stories like this are often the ones that the film studios and TV networks won’t produce or simply can't.
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook
To attend the CineMakina: “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary Screening, presented by Makina Drivers Club, on Saturday, 11/8/2025, at Hagerty Garage + Social in Van Nuys, California:
https://craftofspeed.eventive.org/welcome
DARRYL ROTH, THE SON OF LEGENDARY ED ROTH, WILL BE OUR SPECIAL GUEST AT THE CINEMAKINA: “CRAFT OF SPEED” MOONEYES DOCUMENTARY SCREENING, PRESENTED BY MAKINA DRIVERS CLUB
We’re deeply honored to have Darryl Roth, the son of legendary artist, pinstriper, and car designer, Ed “Big Daddy” Roth, who famously created Rat Fink, as our special guest at the CineMakina: “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary Screening, presented by Makina Drivers Club, on Saturday, 11/8/2025, at Hagerty Garage + Social in Van Nuys, California.
Ed Roth has a long history with MOONEYES. Dean MOON and Ed Roth were good friends. Dean would, in turn, introduce Ed to Shige Suganuma, who would take over MOON Equipment Company after Dean died. Shige and Ed were friends until Ed passed.
Shige hired Hiro Ishii, a talented sign painter in Japan, and introduced him to pinstriping. To learn more about this artform, Hiro traveled from Japan to the U.S. to find Ed. Because Hiro couldn’t speak any English and made the long journey to Utah, where Ed was living, Ed called Hiro a “wildman,” which became his nickname. “Wildman” would become one of the first pinstripers in Japan and a very respected artist throughout the world.
We’ll be in conversation with Darryl about this renowned father, who made a huge impact on art and culture. Along with fellow artists, like Robert Williams, who is the godfather of the low brow art movement and related pop surrealist movement, they revolutionized the art world and pop culture. Join us for this unforgettable event.
To attend the CineMakina: “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary Screening, presented by Makina Drivers Club, on Saturday, 11/8/2025, at Hagerty Garage + Social in Van Nuys, California:
https://craftofspeed.eventive.org/welcome
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook