Specifically examining Chinatowns in three American cities, Washington D.C., Chicago, and Boston, this feature-length documentary looks at the forces altering each community and the challenges that go with them. The film presents the current pressing topic of urban development and gentrification through the eyes of those on the frontlines.

Documentary Executive Producers, Penny Lee and Lisa Mao will be joined by a panel of representatives from the Chinatown communities highlighted to further explore topics of the film. Moderator, Ted Gong is the Director of the 1882 Foundation located in Washington DC’s Chinatown; a non-profit which broadens public understanding of the history of Chinese in America through programs to preserve oral histories and sites, conduct teacher workshops and curriculum, and build collaborations and best practices among APA museums and public educators. Ben Lau is the Executive Director of the Chinese American Museum of Chicago (CAMOC), the only Chinese American museum in the Midwest serving the community through public programs, exhibitions and community engagement. Lydia Lowe is Director of the Chinatown Community Land Trust, which works to stabilize Boston Chinatown through community control of land, development without displacement, permanently affordable housing, and shared neighborhood spaces.

All registrants will receive an email with a documentary viewing link on Saturday, September 11. The documentary viewing window will run from Sunday, September 12, 12:00 am ET – Tuesday, September 14, 11:59 pm ET.

Lisa Mao,
Executive Producer/Director and Writer

Lisa Mao is a documentary producer, writer and director. Her credits include the award-winning documentary “Through Chinatown’s Eyes: April 1968”, Travel Channel’s “Man Vs. Food Nation,” and “Ultimate Factories” on National Geographic Channel. In addition to her Executive Producer role at the Travel Channel and programming role at Discovery Channel International, Mao has headed program development for various production companies. She is responsible for the launch of over 500 hours of programming on channels including National Geographic Channel, HGTV, History Channel, Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, PBS, Smithsonian Channel, and Reelz. Throughout her work, Mao is committed to helping people share their stories to reveal the complex and unique fabric of the human condition. 

Penny Lee
Executive Producer/Producer/Editor

Penny Lee is a documentary producer and film/video editor. Through more than 25 years in editing and creating original content, she has worked on documentaries, feature and short films, reality television series, promotional infomercials, and educational videos for cable networks, corporate organizations, and independent films. Lee produced, directed and edited the award-winning documentary “Through Chinatown’s Eyes: April 1968”. She also produced, directed and edited a collection of short stories about Chinese American Veterans.  Some of Lee’s clients include Discovery Channel, National Geographic Television, Travel Channel and others.  In addition to her network projects, her passion for storytelling continues to drive her to create content highlighting the immigrant experience in the United States, with a primary focus on the Chinese-American voice. 

All registrants will receive an email with a documentary viewing link on Saturday, September 11. The documentary viewing window will run from Sunday, September 12, 12:00 am ET – Tuesday, September 14, 11:59 pm ET.