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” GROUP SHOW
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
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VISITED OUR “CRAFT OF SPEED” BOOTH AT THE JAPANESE CLASSIC CAR SHOW!
We had an incredible time at the Japanese Classic Car Show (JCCS), which has become one of our favorite car shows! Congratulations to Terry & Koji Yamaguchi and the entire JCCS team on your 20th anniversary! We deeply appreciate all your support of our documentary.
Thank you to Oliver Wang, Sherrill Ingalls, and the entire Japanese American National Museum team for exhibiting with us. Check out their landmark “Cruising J-Town” exhibit at the ArtCenter College of Design / Peter & Merle Mullin Gallery as well as “Cruising J-Town” Side Trip, an extension of the exhibit, at the adjacent ArtCenter 950 Building, which is on view until Sunday, 12/14/2025.
We loved catching up with old friends and meeting new ones. Thank you for everyone’s interest in our film, new photography book, and upcoming screening.
To attend the CineMakina: “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Documentary Screening on Saturday, 11/8/2025 at Hagerty Garage + Social in Van Nuys, California, presented by Makina Drivers Club:
craftofspeed.eventive.org
To pre-order the “Craft of Speed” MOONEYES Photography Book:
https://www.craftofspeed.com/store/photographybook