LOCATION: Chong Wa Benevolent Association [second-floor auditorium], 522 7th Ave. S. in Seattle's Chinatown International District.
HOSTED by APIAHiP and co-sponsored by the Washington Trust for Historic Preservation and the Chong Wa Benevolent Association.
ADMISSION: FREE! RSVP is recommended.
DATE & TIME: Sunday - February 25
PROGRAM:
Doors Open: 3:00 PM
Screening Time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM (88 minutes runtime)
Post-screening Discussion: 5:00 PM - 5:40 PM
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Limited seating; RSVP is recommended.
Street parking is limited; public transit is recommended.
Light refreshments will be served.
The film primarily features English, Cantonese, and Mandarin speakers with respective English and Traditional Chinese closed captioning.
About the Film:
"Big Fight in Little Chinatown" is a poignant documentary portraying the struggles of Chinatown communities across North America. During the COVID pandemic and amidst increasing anti-Asian racism, the film delves into the lives of residents and business owners who confront the threat of cultural erasure. From New York's massive jail construction to Montreal's development pressures, Toronto's gentrification challenges, and Vancouver's steadfast businesses, the documentary highlights the resilience and resistance of these communities. It underscores Chinatown's role as both a symbol of broader urban displacement and a model for inclusive, sustainable neighborhoods.
Post-Screening Discussion:
Following the film, there will be a moderated discussion with Director Karen Cho and local advocates dedicated to preserving Seattle's Chinatown International District to discuss similarities and best practices between the Chinatown advocacy efforts across North America.
Historic and Current Significance of Seattle’s Chinatown International District:
Established in the late 19th century and located south of downtown on the unceded lands of the Coast Salish people, the CID is the only area in the continental United States where Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, African Americans, and Vietnamese settled together and built one neighborhood. Today, the neighborhood and community face challenges from an impending infrastructure and transit project.
During the 1920s, ’60s, and ’70s, the construction of city streets, parking lots, two sports stadiums, and a highway divided the neighborhood and demolished businesses, homes, and churches. Community members rallied to preserve the area’s heritage, and it was designated a City of Seattle special review district in 1973 and placed on the Washington Heritage Register and National Register of Historic Places in 1986. Since then, the CID has been known for its historic architecture, multi-generational and multi-lingual businesses and families, and annual festivals and events celebrating the culture and traditions of the neighborhood’s shared heritage.
Today, however, the Seattle metro area’s regional transit agency, Sound Transit, is considering several transit expansion options that could impact the community’s transportation access and the CID’s cultural preservation. As part of the third expansion phase of the West Seattle and Ballard Link Extensions (WSBLE) project, Sound Transit is proposing options for train line alignments and new stations within the CID—construction of which could negatively impact area businesses and residents.
As such, the National Trust for Historic Preservation has named the Seattle Chinatown-International District (CID) to its 2023 list of America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places.
Join Us!
This event is not just a film screening but a rallying point for those committed to preserving the rich tapestry of Seattle's Chinatown International District. Your presence and participation are vital in supporting these ongoing efforts to protect and celebrate the unique cultural heritage of this historic neighborhood.