Taking Root Docu-Series amplifies the stories of Southeast Asians who resettled in Philadelphia after the Wars in Southeast Asia. It highlights the intergenerational impact of structural violence and demonstrates the power of Southeast Asians in resisting and rebuilding in Philadelphia. 'Taking Root' was co-produced by VietLead and Lan Dinh, and directed by Oanh-Nhi Nguyen.

Look Forward and Carry on the Past: Stories from Philadelphia’s Chinatown (2002) illustrates the strength and complexity of Philadelphia’s only remaining community of color in the city’s center. The documentary attends to the role of folk arts and community cultural expression in the community’s continuing struggles for respect and survival. Touching on community efforts to stop a stadium from being built in the neighborhood (one of many fights over land grabs and “development”), and on other occasions when the community comes together, the documentary attends to the everyday interactions, relationships, and labor—so often overlooked—that build and defend endangered communities. The film is a collaboration between Asian Americans United, The Philadelphia Folklore Project, and Barry Dornfeld.

Come hear from Philadelphia based Community Organizations and SEAFN:

VietLead is a grassroots, base building organization that serves Vietnamese, Southeast Asian, and working class communities in Philadelphia & South Jersey. Vietlead programs include intergenerational farming, youth organizing, health navigation & healing, civic engagement and anti-deportation.