An Intimate Book Talk with Curtis Chin
Mark your calendars for a memorable evening on Saturday, June 8, 2024, as HAAPIFEST hosts a captivating event featuring an intimate book talk with Curtis Chin, author of the acclaimed memoir "Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant," followed by screenings of his impactful films "Dear Corky" and "Vincent Who?". The event will take place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, located at 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042, from 3:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
About Curtis Chin:
Curtis Chin is a distinguished figure in the world of literature and social justice. As a co-founder of the Asian American Writers’ Workshop in New York City, Chin has significantly influenced the Asian American literary scene. He served as the organization's first Executive Director before venturing into television writing and eventually, social justice documentaries. His work has been showcased in over 600 venues across sixteen countries.
Chin's writing has appeared in prominent publications such as CNN, Bon Appetit, the Detroit Free Press, and the Emancipator/Boston Globe. A graduate of the University of Michigan, his accolades include awards from ABC/Disney Television, the New York Foundation for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. His memoir, "Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant," published by Little, Brown in Fall 2023, delves into his upbringing and the invaluable lessons he learned within the walls of his family's restaurant. Additionally, his essay in Bon Appetit was honored as part of Best Food Writing in America 2023.
Film Screenings:
Dear Corky (17 MIN)
Directed by Curtis Chin, this short documentary shines a light on the life and legacy of New Yorker Corky Lee, who spent over 50 years photographing Chinatown and Asian American communities across the United States. Lee's work, which included more than 100,000 photos, captured activists, celebrities, and everyday heroes. Tragically, while documenting the recent surge in anti-Asian hate crimes, Lee succumbed to COVID-19. "Dear Corky" offers a poignant glimpse into the man behind the camera, narrated through his own words and images.
Vincent Who? (40 MIN)
Written by Curtis Chin, this documentary recounts the 1982 murder of Vincent Chin in Detroit by two white autoworkers during a period of intense anti-Japanese sentiment. The lenient sentencing of his killers, who received a mere $3,000 fine and no jail time, sparked outrage and galvanized Asian Americans nationwide, leading to the formation of a pan-Asian identity and civil rights movement. Featuring interviews with key figures from the era and a new generation of activists, "Vincent Who?" explores the progress made and the challenges that remain for Asian Americans.
Q&A Panel:
Following the film screenings, attendees will have the unique opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with Curtis Chin and Ron Wong. This interactive panel will delve deeper into the themes of the films and discuss the broader implications for the Asian American community and beyond.
Get Your Tickets:
Don't miss out on this enriching cultural event. Secure your tickets now by visiting www.haapifest.org/tickets.
Join us for an evening of insightful discussions, powerful storytelling, and community engagement as we celebrate the contributions and resilience of Asian Americans through the lens of Curtis Chin’s remarkable work.