Finding Roots
“It is so important for us, in the Asian American Community, to document our family. To talk to our elderly people before they lose their stories, to know what their stories are, because their stories are our stories and our stories are American stories”
Do you know your family history? Have you ever embarked on a journey to find your roots? Far East Deep South, a documentary film by Larissa Lam, chronicles the Chiu family’s story, and as the title suggests, a pilgrimage to the Far East unexpectedly leads to the Mississippi Delta. Far East Deep South was a spotlight film at this year’s Phoenix Film Festival and OCA-Greater Phoenix Chapter and Arizona Chinese News had a chance to interview film producer Baldwin Chiu. We will try not to give away too much about the film as we want you to watch it and experience the journey yourself. The journey is both emotional and educational.
This film started as a personal family project so Baldwin’s daughter would know her family history; however, the Chiu family discovered not only their personal family history, but also the history of early Chinese American settlers and how it was defined by the exclusionary laws of the time. For many immigrants, including the Chius, it can be complicated to truly describe or have discussion about one’s roots. The nuances of this complicated journey is chronicled through this film. These undiscovered stories answered some family questions, but they also surfaced generational trauma and brought to light questions of identity, and belonging. “It is so important for us, in the Asian American Community, to document our family. To talk to our elderly people before they lose their stories, to know what their stories are, because their stories are our stories and our stories are American stories” explains Baldwin.
Baldwin also shared the importance of education and community. For example, a lot of Americans are not aware that Asian Americans were also segregated during the segregation period. Like th Black community, Asian Americans did not have access to public education, and were also given many restrictions. Baldwin uses this historical example to emphasize how crucial it is for communities to come together during tough times. While filming, Baldwin learned that his grandfather and the Black community were supporting each other and sustaining each other through the era of segregation. Baldwin applies these lessons to his own work as he actively worked to create a diverse film team to unearth and highlight the richness of his American story. Supporting each other and learning from each other through our different lenses and perspectives is truly imperative because that is what it truly means to be American.
The film took 4 years to complete but the hard work paid off as the film has won many awards and accolades and reached many people organizations across the country. At the Phoenix Film Festival, Far East Deep South was ranked top 5 among 100 films. The film was also broadcast on PBS and will be broadcast again soon! Check your local PBS station for the date and time. Mr. Baldwin also mentioned that the Far East Deep South team prioritizes education and is actively involved in the field of education. You can follow their work and education campaign or request a screening at fareastdeepsouth.com
