Think! Chinatown Shorts Showing at DCTV theater
Listen to mama. Why? Because. No ifs, ands, or buts.
A grassroots non-profit organization by the name of Think! Chinatown (T!C) produced a set of films for the purpose of passing down oral histories from New York City’s Chinatown. Snappy and matter-of-fact statements characteristic of what a Chinese American mother would say in the comfortability of her own kitchen reveals to the public what is otherwise reserved for only close contacts. A sense of humor regarding blunt utilitarianism is a sure-fire charm for the audiences who grew up hearing similar sentiments at home.
Watch the medicine animated shorts for free on the Think! Chinatown site:
https://www.thinkchinatown.org/everyday
BAIHUAYOU
“Baihuayou” is a humorous, animated take on an off-counter medicine that seems to speak further into a mom’s thrifty sensibilities. It features everyday uses for “white flower oil,” a brand that seems to be the cure-all for kids’ health complaints. Never mind the lack of health studies or doctor approvals.
MEDICINE POT
The elderly have fond memories of their childhood, one of which is the herbal tonics their mothers fed them. They recount the smells and taste of soups that had medicinal traits. Perhaps in addition to nutritional benefits, the dish also fed their soul.
ART OF STORYTELLING: ROCKING THE BOAT FEATURING YEE LING POON
Before “Anti-hate” or “Stop Asian Hate” became common terms, Chinatown was fighting for social justice in the public square. One of the key players is attorney Yee Ling Poon. She is a humble woman who is not afraid to speak out and mobilize others to counter the injustices of her community. She was a lawyer who fought for her neighbors in New York’s Chinatown who had little to no voice. This autobiographical story of her growing in empathy begins as the daughter of a man who was the first in his family to immigrate to the United States. What happens next, as they say, is history.
SHE SAYS
The talent of dancer, actress, orator, Mei Yin-Ng, is shown through a series of moments and oft-surprising scenarios. The juxtaposition between New York City and ancient philosophies are on full display as Yin-Ng plays two women of Chinese American descent who share their experience of America. The film acts as what could be considered a video diary as well as a character monologue – spoken word wed with choreography made for a highly unique think piece (no pun intended).
“Think! Chinatown Shorts” screened ahead of “Big Fight in Little Chinatown” at the 46th Asian American International Film Festival.