| An ambitious project
started 2.5 years ago came to fruition when OCA Greater Cleveland (OCAGC)
hosted a VIP premiere of the documentary film “History of
Cleveland’s Chinatown - An Oral History of Chinese Americans in
Cleveland” on June 25, 2022. The film is a passion project of the
film makers to tell the 150 year journey of Chinese-Americans, their
struggles, their triumphs, and the American dream.
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The private premiere attended by about 90 advocates and partners
was held at the Old Stone Church on Public Square due to the
historical significance the church played in assisting and serving
early Chinese-Americans that settled in Cleveland, and later served
as the first location of the Cleveland Chinese Christian Church. The
film resonated with the audience as an intriguing and educational
look into Cleveland’s past, a rich accounting of Chinese immigration
and culture, documenting the transformation of Chinatown to the
expanding present-day AsiaTown, and sharing of personal stories many
for the first time.
It tells of early immigrants and ancestors that laid a foundation
for the Chinese community, and the growth of the neighborhood and
advocacy of its people, and current economic development. The film
includes interviews with 18 subjects including historians, people
that grew up in the neighborhood, area business owners, and
community leaders. Many felt the emotional impact of the film as it
tells a personal, close-to-home journey. It tells the story of “us.”
The documentary is presented by the local chapter of OCA - Asian
Pacific American Advocates, with funding provided by the Cleveland
Foundation’s Minority Arts & Education Fund, Margaret W. Wong &
Associates, and individual donors. OCAGC V.P. of communications
Johnny Wu is director, producer, and director of photography; OCAGC
President Lisa Wong is producer, researcher, and interviewer; Media
Design Imaging handled production with Nick Muhlbach as editor and
camera operator, and Kyle Znamenak as early planner and fundraiser.
Chris Tanaka, News Anchor for Channel 19 News, serves as the Host of
the documentary. Wayne Wong, OCAGC V.P. of Administration was the MC
for the premiere and served as moderator for the Q&A session which
included the filmmakers and some of the film’s interview subjects:
Donald Chan, George Kwan Jr, William Young, along with Wu, Wong,
Muhlbach, and Wong. Additionally, a Proclamation from The City of
Cleveland’s Mayor Justin Bibb to OCAGC was presented.
While just recently completed, the OCAGC documentary has already
won several awards at film festivals, and will continue to be
submitted to film festivals world-wide. This documentary only tells
part of the journey. There are more stories to share, including
additional interviews and footage that are in reserve. OCAGC is
considering making followup projects if this Part 1 is successful.
To make it happen, more funding and support is needed. Contact OCAGC
President Lisa Wong for more information at president@ocagc.org.
Visit OCAGC.org for more information on joining, and our other
programs of advocacy, civic engagement, and cultural outreach.
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Photo Credits – Edmond Wong, and Alex, Lisa and Wayne Wong
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