Here's a film project out the Bay Area that could use your support... Breathin': The Eddy Zheng Story is a documentary about one man's struggle for redemption after over two decades of incarceration.
After serving over twenty years behind bars for a robbery he committed as a teen, community leader Eddy Zheng now faces deportation to China. Released from prison in 2007, Eddy has dedicated his life to preventing youth violence and delinquency through his work with various community organizations around the San Francisco Bay Area.
Director/producer Ben Wang and an intrepid team of filmmakers are currently in the midst of a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the film and tell Eddy's unique story. Here's a video with some background information about the project and how you can help:
Here's the teaser trailer:
And here's the film synopsis:
After serving over 20 years behind bars for a robbery he committed at age 16, Chinese American community leader Eddy Zheng now faces deportation to China, a huge loss to the Bay Area community. Released from prison in 2007, Eddy has dedicated his life to preventing youth violence and delinquency through his work at the Community Youth Center, Community Response Network, and many other SF Bay Area programs and organizations.As I write this, the Kickstarter campaign has about 15 days left to meet its $15,000 fundraising goal. To make a pledge, go here. Your valuable donation will help bring a important community story to the screen.
BREATHIN': THE EDDY ZHENG STORY is a documentary about one of the most visible Asian American leaders to emerge from the prison system. Providing a complex and honest portrayal of its subject, the film will highlight a critical human rights issue facing the U.S. today: the alarming increase of Asian immigrants and refugees being incarcerated and deported.
This project will share Eddy's personal journey from immigrant youth to politicized prisoner, and ultimately valued mentor and community leader as he faces pending deportation to a land he has not known for over 30 years. BREATHIN' will feature footage of Eddy's work in youth violence prevention and prisoner support efforts, as well as candid interviews with Eddy and his close circle. The film will share his personal struggle toward redemption and reveal the complicated fate ahead for the growing population of Asian immigrants and refugees in prison.
For further information about the project, go to their Facebook page here. And for more background on Eddy Zheng's case, read this East Bay Express article from 2005: The Last Stand of Eddy Zheng.
