Our Mr. Matsura (2025)

"Mr. Matsura" tells the story of Frank (Sakae) Matsura, an orphaned son of a samurai who emigrated to Washington State in 1901, eventually settling in remote Okanogan County. There, he became deeply involved with a community of Native people, new settlers, and immigrants – miners, ranchers, shopkeepers, and cowboys alike. He quickly became the region’s leading photographer and a beloved figure. Through his photographs, Frank Matsura offered powerful depictions of life in the American West, prompting viewers to reconsider their own identities. A century later, the people of the county and the Colville Confederated Tribes continue to cherish the work he created, feeling a strong connection to it.