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7.21.2008

seeking images for vincent chin documentary

The filmmakers behind Vincent Who?, a documentary examining the impact of the historic Vincent Chin murder case, are looking for images from the era to include in the film. The watershed case was a defining moment for the Asian American community, and they're looking for any kind of images/footage that demonstrate the diverse, national movement behind the case—fundraisers, rallies, meetings or anything from around the country would be great. Here are some details:
SEEKING IMAGES FROM VINCENT CHIN

VINCENT WHO? (48 minutes) - In 1982, Vincent Chin was murdered in Detroit by two white autoworkers at the height of anti-Japanese sentiments. For the first time, Asian Americans around the country galvanized to form a real community and movement. If you have any photos or images from this time period (1982-1987), we would appreciate speaking with you! Please contact us at curtischin@aol.com.

This documentary, inspired by a series of town halls organized by Asian Pacific Americans for Progress on the 25th anniversary of the case, features interviews with the key players at the time, as well as a whole new generation of activists. "Vincent Who?" asks how far Asian Americans have come since then and how far we have yet to go. Featured interviews include: Helen Zia (lead activist during the Chin trial), Renee Tajima Pena (director, "Who Killed Vincent Chin?"), Stewart Kwoh (Executive Director, Asian Pacific American Legal Center), Lisa Ling (journalist), Sumi Pendakur (Univ. of Southern California), Dale Minami (civic rights attorney), Doua Thor (Executive Director, Southeast Asian Resource Action Center) and a group of five diverse young APA activists whose lives were impacted by Vincent Chin.

Producer and co-director Curtis Chin (featured in the documentary) is an award-winning writer and producer who has worked for ABC, NBC, Disney Channel and more. As a community activist, he co-founded the Asian American Writers Workshop and Asian Pacific Americans for Progress. Co-director Tony Lam is a writer, producer, and director based in Los Angeles. A former Fulbright scholar, he currently produces "Our Role Models" on LA18, where he has interviewed over 100 outstanding leaders and talents in the Asian American community.

Presented by Asian Pacific Americans for Progress in association with Tony Lam Films and Q & A Pictures.
As I've said many times before, learning about this case was an important, defining moment in developing my own political awareness and identity as Asian American activist. Without a doubt, Christine Choy and Renee Tajima's Who Killed Vincent Chin? is a documentary that changed my life. Vincent Who? looks back at the case, its legacy and its relevance to today's civil rights climate. For more information about the film, visit the website here.