OCA Greater Cleveland (OCAGC) hosted a VIP premiere of our documentary film “History of Cleveland’s Chinatown – An Oral History of Chinese Americans in Cleveland” on June 25, 2022. The private premiere attended by about 90 advocates and partners was held at the Old Stone Church due to the historical significance the church played in assisting and serving early Chinese-Americans. The film resonated with the audience as an intriguing and educational look into Cleveland’s past, a rich account of Chinese immigration and culture, documenting the transformation of Chinatown to the expanding present-day Asiatown Cleveland, and sharing personal stories many for the first time.
The film is a passion project of the filmmakers to tell the 150-year journey of Chinese-Americans, their struggles, their triumphs, and the American dream. 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 OCA Greater Cleveland, 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 K. 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. Chris Tanaka Cleveland 19 News, News Anchor, 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.
