Tue, May 9, 2023 5:15 pm - 7:15 pm
The Doxa Documentary Film Festival has chosen Big Fight in Little Chinatown as their opening film this year. Several interested UCVers (Debra, Yvonne, Mei Jia) have already chosen to attend the second showing on Tuesday, May 9th at 5:15, at the Vancity Theatre, 1181 Seymour St. We warmly invite you to join us for the film and then a coffee discussion afterwards at the nearby Perfecto Cafe.
I have copied the film synopsis below but please book your tickets at the link https://www.doxafestival.ca/. Thanks for emailing me as well to let me know you will be joining us. Invite friends as well! I am looking forward to a nice group event.
The pandemic and anti-Asian racism has accelerated the disappearance of many Chinatowns in North America, and with them the rich heritage of Chinese immigrant communities. Big Fight in Little Chinatown is a film about resistance, as people fight to stay where they’ve grown cultural roots.
Chinatowns coast to coast are resisting pressure from real estate developers and discriminatory municipal planning projects to preserve homes, family-run restaurants and gathering spaces. Under the looming threat of displacement and food insecurity, Chinatowns in Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal and New York are organizing and rallying support from the broader public. Crucial to these efforts is the shifting of public perspective; Chinatowns are not tourist destinations frozen in time, but areas that evolve and are enriched by multiple generations, as younger community members inherit their family’s established businesses. As Chinatown communities in North America advocate for protected heritage status, their efforts are paving the way for more equitable recognition of Chinese immigrants’ contributions to major infrastructure projects and food accessibility in low-income neighbourhoods, and an end to perpetual gentrification and displacement. With Vancouver’s Chinatown, and in particular the beloved Kam Wai Dim Sum 金威點心 and Hon Hsing Athletic Club 雲高華漢升體育 featured prominently in this documentary, Big Fight in Little Chinatown is an absolute must-see for local audiences.
With the devastating economic impact of the pandemic and city redevelopment, Chinatowns in New York, Montréal and Vancouver search for innovative ways and resistance to keep their communities thriving.
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