Manhattan’s historic Chinatown has survived crashes, recessions, depressions, terrorist attacks, hurricanes, floods, and fires. But there was something pointed about the Coronavirus pandemic that targeted this community. It brought to light the xenophobia in American society and many outdated, unsustainable business practices endemic in the neighborhood.
What does it mean when old-school charm, Chinatown’s greatest asset, becomes a threat to its survival? We hope the film paints a nuanced picture of a post-pandemic Chinatown that looks at how the new generation of Asian-Americans are balancing tradition and innovation and bringing the neighborhood into the modern age and into the lexicon of American culture.
Featuring Karho Leung (Founder, 12 Pell), Joanne Kwong (President, Pearl River Mart), Wilson Tang (CEO, Nom Wah), Jennifer Tam (Co-Founder, Welcome to Chinatown), and the New York Freemasons Athletic Club.
Co-director: Jacob Fertig
Co-director: Carin Leong
Producer: Madeline Chen