Filmmaker Statement

Our film, "Eighth Avenue," immerses viewers in the vibrant tapestry of Brooklyn Chinatown, offering a unique exploration of the Asian immigrant experience. Through the lens of a Caucasian protagonist labeled as "unspeakable," we delve into the shared sense of alienation felt by many immigrants in the U.S. Unlike the typical portrayals of NYC Chinatowns, Eighth Avenue unveils a dynamic community of emerging Chinese immigrants, many undocumented, in Brooklyn’s Eighth Avenue. This overlooked setting in mainstream cinema allows us to shed light on their lives and challenges. Inspired by my upbringing in 1990s Southern Taiwan, the film evokes personal nostalgia while highlighting the irony of Brooklyn Chinatown in 2022 mirroring the countryside towns of 1990s Taiwan. This unexpected parallel reflects on the passage of time, suggesting the immigrant experience echoes a journey backward in time.