California Council for the Humanities Spring 2008 network Featured in This Issue 1 3 7 Kids to investigate the hidden Four San Francisco young people Award-winning filmmaker meanings in everyday places using are writing, directing and editing Arthur Dong combines his love photography and writing. a narrative film based on real of Hollywood films and a deep events in their community. interest in the Chinese American New film projects to document experience in his newest film. aspects of the state prison system, urban redevelopment and more.

Newly funded documentary projects to illuminate How I See It California youth issues, stories photography $399,000 awarded to 12 film projects and one and writing radio documentary program based For those interested in the unfolding story of California, the latest crop of Council-supported documentaries on ideas of Harvard will be sure to enlighten. The 12 film projects and one radio project, professor funded by the Council under the Jerold Kress, a CCH project consultant for a pilot My Place program at the Bresee Community Center in central Los Angeles, leads a group of middle-school kids as they explore nearby places for hidden meanings. Photo/Felicia Kelley. California Documentary Project in January, explore aspects of the Ten-week program to 300 young Californians, aged 11 to with me on the project, suggested state prison system, urban redevel- take place in 21 libraries 15, will have a chance to enrich that I read Stilgoe’s book ‘Outside opment, immigration, the fight for their lives Stilgoe’s way in a Lies Magic.’ When I read it, I realized gay rights and life for former this summer and fall 10-week photography, research instantly that his ideas provided the female gang members, among and writing program at 21 Califor- approach I was looking for. other topics. The projects, currently Have you ever seen birds perched nia libraries. The program, called in various stages of development, on telephone wires and asked “Stilgoe sees everyday landscape How I See It: My Place, is part of were awarded a total of $399,000. yourself how they adapt to city as a historical record, and he the Council’s How I See It state- life? Or wondered why the church wants to awaken people to the wide campaign to enable young “These documentaries will bring on the corner looks more like a excitement of exploring their people to share their experiences wider awareness to a range of bank than a place of worship? Or surroundings, going outside and of living in today’s California. important California stories and pondered why your city’s recycling observing the everyday world, issues,” said the Council’s Executive bins are all painted the color they Senior Programs Manager Felicia and asking questions about what Director Ralph Lewin. “When I look are? According to John Stilgoe, Kelley, who is developing the they see,” Kelley said. “We’ve at the range of projects, I’m professor of landscape history at library program for the Council, taken that idea, expanded on it reminded that 2008 is the 75th Harvard University, we go through said that Stilgoe came to her and made it accessible to kids.” anniversary of the Works Progress life without really seeing the world attention last summer when she Administration, which gave us At each library, the young partici- around us. Paying attention, he began to think about structuring Dorothea Lange’s photographs and pants will be introduced to Stilgoe’s says, can teach us a lot about the the library program around the many other important works. I ideas and acquire the basics of past and enrich our lives. idea of place. “Patricia Hunt, an think that future generations will photography. Then they will American studies scholar working This summer and fall, more than continued on page 4 continued on page 3

Ralph Lewin named CCH executive director The California Council for the Following an extensive nationwide retired in March after 25 years in programming, a deep commitment Humanities is a state-based affiliate search, the Council is pleased to the Council’s top position. to California, and a strong forward of the National Endowment for the announce that Ralph Lewin, who vision for the Council and for humanities. Humanities Network is Council Chairman Douglas came to the Council 15 years ago California cultural programming in Greenberg, who led the search published three times a year and and was most recently the Coun- general. The board is delighted committee, said, “Ralph brings to mailed to anyone who requests it cil’s associate executive director, that he has accepted the position.” the job an extraordinary degree from the San Francisco office. has been named executive direc- of proven success in humanities tor. Lewin replaces Jim Quay, who continued on page 3 www.californiastories.org www.californiastories.org 1 Thoughts on the Humanities and Democracy Six join CCH Board By Ralph Lewin, Executive Director

I write to you with a great deal of of Directors excitement about the future of the California Council for the Humanities. Just a few weeks The California Council for the Humanities is ago I began my new position as the Council’s pleased to welcome the following distinguished executive director after a decade as the individuals to its Board of Directors. organization’s associate executive director and head of programs. Today, I am extremely Chris Abani is associate professor grateful to Jim Quay, my predecessor, and of creative writing at UC Riverside to the board, staff, partners, grantees and and an award-winning novelist and supporters who have helped make this organization so strong poet. Among his novels are “Song for and effective. Night,” “The Virgin of Flames” and “Becoming Abigail.” Collections of It is a privilege, at times a daunting one, to be in the position to poetry include “Hands Washing Water” carry forward work that seems more vital to me now than at any and “Dog Woman.” Abani is a other point in my lifetime. As we face a historic election in this recipient of the PEN USA Freedom to Write Award and the Hemingway country, I am struck again by how fundamental the humanities Foundation/PEN Award, among other honors. are to a working democracy. And I am reminded of Václav Havel Luis Herrera is city librarian of San and the words he spoke in his 1990 address to the United States Francisco. Previously, he served as Congress — just one year after he was elected the first president director of Information Services for the of the Czech Republic: City of Pasadena and deputy director The salvation of this human world lies of the San Diego Public Library. He is former president of the Public Library nowhere else than in the human heart, Association and the California Library in the human power to reflect, Association. Herrera holds a bachelor’s in human modesty degree in science from the University of Texas at El Paso and a master’s in and in human responsibility. library science from the University of Arizona.

The spirit of Havel’s words was etched into my thinking long Cornelius Moore is co-director of before I knew what the humanities were or before I had heard of California Newsreel, director of the the excellent work of the California Council for the Humanities. I Library of African Cinema, and curator was raised on the edge of a sagebrush canyon in San Diego by of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. my mother, who had experienced the terrors of war as a child in He has served as a juror and panelist Germany, and a father whose grandparents immigrated to Boston at film festivals in Toronto, San Francisco, Dallas and Oakland and to escape anti-semitism in czarist Russia. It was around our dinner as a guest lecturer at numerous table that we discussed history and ideas and how they connected universities. Moore holds a bachelor of arts in American studies from deeply and powerfully with who we were and our place in the world. the University of Pennsylvania.

I began my work with the Council after having just returned Jane Pisano is president and director from teaching in Argentina wondering what to do with my life. of the Natural History Museum of Shortly after opening the Council’s San Diego office, in spring Los Angeles County. Previously, she 1992, I remember standing before a group of San Diegans who held various posts at the University had come together in a church meeting room to talk about what of Southern California, including some called the riots and others called the rebellion that had just senior vice president for external taken place in Los Angeles. People were passionate, nervous and relations and dean of the School of fearful about what those events revealed about Southern California Public Administration. She is president and the state of our democracy. The overarching sense from the and chairwoman of the Research and Grants Committee of the John conversation that evening was that people felt disconnected — Randolph Haynes and Dora Haynes Foundation Board of Trustees. from the place where they live, from the people who govern and Pisano holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Stanford University and a master’s and doctorate in international relations from from one another. I also found Californians who were eager to Johns Hopkins University. engage and explore who we have been, our struggles and our triumphs, in an effort to understand who we are becoming and Not pictured: how California holds the promise of something better. Joaquin Alvarado is founding director of the Institute for Next Generation Over the years I have found myself in similar conversations Internet at San Francisco State University. He is also an award-winning across California with people from places such as the beautiful documentary filmmaker, writer, producer and director. His media- Hoopa Valley Reservation in the northwest corner of the state, the education work began in the 1980s when he developed the first farmland of the Great Central Valley, the Southern California coast television program in the nation produced by Hispanic youth. He is and points in between. All were grappling with the larger ideas a founding member of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom’s Digital Media Advisory Council. of who we are, how we can create a better place to live and how we can understand one another. In this newsletter you will read Alejandro Morales is a novelist and professor of Spanish and about some fine examples of humanities programs that continue Portuguese and film and media studies at UC Irvine. He has published this conversation, programs that open windows to the past, that seven books, his most recent being “The Captain of All These Men of provoke people to reflect on the meaning of their lives in all its Death.” His novels have been published in the United States and Mexico. complexity. These are all programs that take Havel’s thoughts to Morales was born in Monte Bello, Calif. He holds a bachelor’s degree heart, that push us to reflect on how we live as individuals and from California State University, Los Angeles, and a master’s and a together. The humanities are powerful. doctorate in Spanish from Rutgers University.

As the Council continues to support and create important programs for the people of California, I urge you to support our work in any way you can. If you have any ideas you think the June Board Meeting Council should consider, please feel free to contact me. The next quarterly meeting of the Board of Directors will be held on Thursday, June 12 in San Francisco. The meeting is open to the public. For details, contact the San Francisco office at 414/391-1474 or send an e-mail to Ann Yoshinaga at [email protected].

2 www.californiastories.org Newly Funded Documentary Projects (continued from page 1)

Gate Park, from its beginnings as a landscape grove maintained by volunteers to its position today as a nationally designated memorial site. Also featured are stories of individuals who have lost their lives to AIDS and their loved ones who survived them. Award: $60,000

Film research and develop- ment awards ($10,000 each)

“Birth of a Movement: Behind the Velvet Curtain (The Hidden History of the U.S. Supreme Court and Gay Rights)” examines how the highest court in the land has struggled with the contentious issue of human rights for gays and lesbians. Beth Pielert, project director.

“Filipinos: Forgotten Heroes of the UFW” explores the forgotten role of Filipinos in the early farmworker movement. Marissa Alroy, project The Los Angeles Times newsroom in the 1930s during the heyday of the Chandler family reign. The newly funded “The Chandlers and Their director and producer. Times” will trace the emergence of modern Los Angeles during the era of the Chandlers. Photo courtesy of Huntington Library/Peter Jones Productions. “Homegirls” follows several look back at our current round of critical part of the corrections able story at a time, the film former female gang members in documentaries and learn a lot debate: What is prison actually chronicles the ambitious, ruthless, Los Angeles as they try to turn about California at the beginning like? Who lives and works in ingenious and often self-serving their lives around. Isabel Vega, of the 21st century, the same way prisons? What does prison culture methods by which each man producer and director. we look at artists’ work under the tell us about the human capacity employed the newspaper to help WPA and understand what life for violence — and for change?” turn a town of 12,000 residents “Jack London: Twentieth-Century was like then.” Award: $60,000. into a suburban sprawl of 4 million Man” looks at the life and work of people — and in the process make Jack London. Christopher Million, The following 13 projects received “Moments in Time” chronicles the the Chandlers among the largest director. California Documentary Project coming together of a variety of landowners in California and the “Lost Treasure Hunt” uses a support. More information about people to create the Point Reyes richest families in America,” said combination of animation and the projects is available on the National Seashore and the Golden producer and director Peter Jones. documentary-style filmmaking Council’s website at Gate National Recreation Area in Award: $60,000. www.californiastories.org. Marin County and to preserve to enliven California history for agricultural land for farmers and “Metropolis in the Making,” pro- young people between the ages Film production awards ranchers. Producer and director duced and directed by Clement of 6 and 12. Matthew G. Davis, producer and director. “Inside/Out: Life in a California Nancy Kelly said, “My hope is that Barclay, examines redevelopment the film will make people more in Los Angeles by documenting Prison” is a documentary about life “¿Mas Bebés?” reveals the true aware of the power of citizen activ- the 20-year battle over the historic in Pelican Bay, a maximum-securi- story of the forced sterilization of ists to preserve land, open space Ambassador Hotel, for decades a ty state prison. The film follows Mexican American women in the and agriculture.” Award: $60,000. mecca for Hollywood legends, several inmates, prison staff and 1960s and 1970s and the ensuing heads of state and other famous volunteers, weaving together their fight for justice.R enee Tajima-Peña, “Inventing L.A.: The Chandlers and personalities, and the site of individual dramas, including one producer and director. Their Times” traces the emergence Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination inmate’s struggle to exit a gang of multiethnic, modern Los Ange- in 1968. Award: $59,000. “Preaching Revolution” explores a since getting married in prison and les during the single-family reign segment of the Christian evangelical the new warden’s efforts to wrest of four publishers of the Los “Forget Me Not,” produced and movement that embraces issues of power from the old-school guards. Angeles Times: Harrison Gray Otis, directed by Andy Abrahams, tells poverty, race, global justice and Writer and producer Noel Schw- Harry Chandler, Norman Chandler the story of the AIDS Memorial erin said, “Simply put, ‘Inside/Out’ and Otis Chandler. “One remark- Grove in San Francisco’s Golden makes visible what should be a continued on page 4

Ralph Lewin (continued from page 1)

Lewin has held increasingly thousands of Californians together and a board member of the Cali- Santa Barbara. He studied for a responsible positions at the to read John Steinbeck’s novel and fornia Studies Association. He has year at Georg-August University in Council and was most recently in share their own California stories. also served as a consultant to the Goettingen, Germany, and spent a charge of overseeing the Council’s California Civil Liberties Education semester at Gadjah Mada Univer- “I am deeply honored to have been California Stories initiative and all Fund and the California Trust for sity in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. He appointed to this position,” Lewin programming efforts. In his early Cultural and Historic Preservation. was a guest scholar at the Institute said. “I firmly believe that the Council years, he opened the He is a three-time recipient of the for International Relations in humanities — the knowledge of Council’s San Diego office and international Idea Prize from the Potsdam, Germany, and, following history and ideas, critical thinking directed the award-winning cul- Koerber Foundation of Germany his studies, he lectured for a and the life of the mind — are tural program Searching for San for his work in developing cultural semester at the University of fundamental to a strong democracy. Diego, which used history, litera- programs that foster greater Buenos Aires, Argentina. In the time ahead our shared work ture and film to enable diverse understanding among residents in in bringing the humanities to the Lewin is a lifelong California groups of San Diego residents to various California communities. public will be more vital than ever.” resident. Born in San Francisco explore their connection to the Lewin holds a master’s degree in and raised in San Diego, he now world around them. More recently, Lewin is active in several California international relations from San lives in San Francisco with his he directed the highly successful nonprofit organizations. He served Francisco State and a bachelor’s in wife, Caitlin Mohan, a teacher and statewide California Stories: as an advisor to Poets and Writers, political science and another in writer, and his two young sons, Reading The Grapes of Wrath co-chair for the Northern California Germanic literature and languages Sam and Leo. campaign, which brought tens of Grantmakers Briefings Committee, from the University of California, www.californiastories.org www.californiastories.org 3 Newly Funded Projects (continued from page 3) How I See It: My Place (continued from page 1)

venture into their neighborhoods Council is planning to create an windows into the past for these and begin to identify and photo- online version for the Council’s kids and represent for them graph traces of history and other website. completely new ways of seeing aspects of their everyday land- the world.” For the past sixth months, Kelley scape they find interesting. The and Jerold Kress, a photographer The Council will provide the kids’ discoveries and questions and documentary filmmaker who participating libraries with every- will become subjects for their is the project’s technical advisor, thing they need to conduct the research back at the library, which Writer Jack London aboard his boat “The in turn will lead to their writing Roamer.” The film project “Jack London: Twentieth-Century Man,” recently funded about what they’ve discovered. “The program is really about tapping into young people’s by the Council under the California Docu- “What we’re trying to do is inte- mentary Project, will look at the life and natural curiosity so they want to learn more about their work of the author of “Call of the Wild” grate photography, research and and other books. Photo courtesy of the writing, so that each activity feeds communities. We hope this experience will help them Huntington Library. off the other,” Kelley said. develop skills and interests that will last a lifetime. And, the environment. Katie Galloway “The program is really about and Po Kutchins, producers and tapping into young people’s of course, we hope the program will show them what directors. (This is Galloway and natural curiosity so they want to great resources libraries are.” Kutchins’ second California Documentary learn more about their communi- Project award. Their award-winning film ties. We hope this experience will “Prison Town, USA,” about the effect of help them develop skills and have been testing out their ideas program, including a program the prison system on the town of Susan- interests that will last a lifetime. with a group of middle-school kids guide, ideas for public program- ville, Calif., also received California And, of course, we hope the in an after-school photography ming events, digital equipment Documentary Project funding.) program will show them what class at the P.F. Bresee Community and materials, and a $1,000 cash great resources libraries are.” Center in central Los Angeles. grant. In May, all the librarians Radio production award Kelley and Kress are adjusting involved will attend a two-day The My Place program will culmi- “Calexico: California Borderlands” their approach as they go along, orientation session. nate with an exhibit of the kids’ features the stories of people but so far they are pleased with photographs and writings at each The project is supported by the affected by immigration every day the progress they see. of the libraries. In conjunction with California State Library and is — those who live or work on the the exhibits, each library will hold “The Bresee kids have found a being conducted in cooperation California-Mexico border. “As the a public forum to give the young variety of interesting, mysterious with Califa, a membership-based nation’s most highly trafficked participants an opportunity to and perplexing things to photo- California library network and point of crossing, the California- share with the public what they’ve graph and write about,” Kelley service consortium. It is an off- Mexico border is the site of intense learned. “We hope that these said, “including a palm tree shoot of an earlier pilot program cross-cultural interaction and a events will generate discussion swallowing up a no-parking sign, involving libraries in providing microcosm of national conflicts and reflection about the changes red car tracks that proved to be the documentary projects for youth. over immigration,” said Peter that have taken place in so many of remnants of a mass transit system Laufer, project director and radio these communities over the years abandoned years ago, and a 1906 For more information about the journalist. Award: $30,000. and inspire people to begin think- synagogue that had been convert- program, contact Felicia Kelley at [email protected]. The The Council has supported almost ing about how they can make their ed into a Korean evangelical communities better,” Kelley said. church, one of the many signs of participating libraries are listed 50 documentaries since the Cali- on the Council’s website at fornia Documentary Project was the changing demographics of the For people who won’t have a www.californiastories.org. launched in 2001 as part of Califor- area. These discoveries are chance to attend the exhibits, the nia Stories, a multiyear initiative designed to connect Californians and foster understanding by uncovering personal and commu- Discovering the unexpected nity stories that tell the story of today’s California. in everyday places

Included in the roster of California Documentary Project films are Excerpts from “Outside Lies Magic: Regaining History and Awareness “Juvies,” director Leslie Neal’s look in Everyday Places,” the book by Harvard Professor John R. Stilgoe at the juvenile justice system; “Romantico,” Mark Becker’s fea- that inspired the upcoming How I See It: My Place library program. ture-length portrait of an itinerant “Get out now. Not just outside, but beyond the trap of the programmed Mexican musician and his struggles electronic age so gently closing around so many people…. Go outside, move to support himself and his family in deliberately, then relax, slow down, look around. Do not jog. Do not run. San Francisco and Mexico; and Forget about blood pressure and arthritis, cardiovascular rejuvenation and “California and the American weight reduction. Instead pay attention to everything that abuts the rural Dream,” a four-part PBS series, road, the city street, the suburban boulevard. Walk. Stroll. Saunter. Ride a directed by Paul Espinosa, about bike, and coast along a lot. Explore.” issues of social justice, economic equity and environmental sustain- “So why not look at every pole along a short residential street, along a ability in the Golden State. half-mile of rural road? Why not explore by looking upward, just for a few The California Documentary minutes? Most people, especially those walking or running or bicycling for Project offers production grants physical exercise, tend to look where they are going. The explorer looks ahead and research and development too, of course, but also sideways and backward, assimilating a wide field of grants for radio, film and video landscape indeed. But explorers who discover so much in the 360-degree projects. Guidelines for the next circle they scan know too how much lies downward, often almost under their round of funding will be posted feet, and they scrutinize everything from pavement types to wildflowers. And on the Council’s website in May the canniest explorers look up too, up at clouds and sky and birds, up at 2008. The California Documentary airplanes, up at utility poles, and in looking up they descry something of the Project is supported through a complexity of the high. They spot advertising blimps and kites long snared in partnership with the Skirball trees; they marvel at the television antennae lingering from decades ago and Foundation. notice the decrepitude of so many domestic and industrial chimney tops.”

Photo/Jack Detsch.

4 www.californiastories.org Youths’ film “A Choice of Weapons” Up close with the tackles the impact of redevelopment young filmmakers “When you grow on a San Francisco community up with nothing, it makes you bitter, and it takes a lot Dramatic 60-minute film based on real events of work to change. Kim, Brian and Jessica took that latter This film will show idea and decided to create a film about a a side of kids who want to work for character who starts out without a sense something better. If this program was of purpose and who gradually through not here, I don’t know where I’d be — a the film discovers something in his whole lot of kids are like that.” community to care about and fight for.” Jessica Gonzales, age 20 With that skeleton of an idea in mind, “Our script didn’t the four began to conduct research on start out being Bayview-Hunters Point because they about asbestos or wanted their film to reflect real events. redevelopment. It They watched a video about the area’s is based on what’s history and learned about a group of five really happening in women, the so-called Big Five, who the neighborhood. In writing the script, fought for affordable housing there I thought about my own reaction to how during the 1960s and ’70s. They learned Cast and crew of “A Choice of Weapons” do a read-through of the script before shooting the deadly asbestos is and then tried to film. Photo/Debra Koffler. about the Lennar Corp., the Fortune 500 think how the character would react. company cleaning up and redeveloping Up two flights of stairs in a rundown people to create a longer film than CYMC And when we went to the minister’s the area, and how it had allowed toxic building on Mission Street in San groups typically make. “We already had a town hall meeting, we talked to a lot of dust to escape from construction sites, Francisco, four inner-city youths are curriculum for producing a five- to people, and then went back and turned exposing neighbors and schoolchildren auditioning actors for parts in a dramatic 10-minute film, so we were able to those stories into dialogue.” to potentially harmful airborne asbestos film they are writing, directing and editing expand on that,” she said. Working on fibers. They found out about weekly town Brian McArthur, age 22 themselves. Young filmmaker Ruben the project with Koffler is local filmmaker hall meetings at Grace Tabernacle Palomares, age 19, videotapes the young Samm Styles, who has several films “When I found out Community Church, where community actors as each in turn reads a scene under his belt, including “Black August,” about the asbestos leaders such as Rev. Christopher from the script the four young filmmakers about the life and death of Black Panther problem, I thought Muhammed, Espanola Jackson and have written entirely from scratch. With and prison rights advocate George it was really Bishop Ernest Jackson, the church’s him in the small room are his three Jackson. Also involved is the project’s messed up that San pastor, were leading a community fight filmmaking partners: 22-year-old Brian humanities scholar, Nancy Mirabal, a Francisco would let for environmental and economic justice. McArthur, the director, who reads with professor of La Raza Studies at San this happen to its residents. Little kids each actor; Jessica Gonzales, age 20, the Francisco State University. Mirabal Much of what the group learned they can be affected by breathing asbestos assistant director, who intently takes conducted a workshop on oral history were able to incorporate into the film dust, and it won’t show up for 20 years. notes on each performance; and Krista methods for the group and talked to the script they had begun writing. They It opened my eyes to the real issues of Kim, also 20, the producer, who has made young filmmakers about how to think decided that the main character, D’Angelo, what life is like.” all the arrangements for the audition, about gender and race issues when would take a job cleaning up toxic dust Krista Kim, age 20 including posting casting notices on writing their script. with the Lennar Corp, and get involved in MySpace and Craigslist. When all the residents’ fight for affordable housing and “I’m the camera- The youths’ film, titled “A Choice of actors finish reading, the four filmmakers a cleaner environment. They also decided man for the film, Weapons,” tells the story of a young discuss the strengths and weaknesses of that D’Angelo would begin to turn his life and I’ve learned a street hustler named D’Angelo — about each person’s performance and quickly around when he elects to finish a docu- lot about why shad- the same age as the filmmakers — and come to an agreement on their top mentary film started by his older brother ows are important his struggles to find a sense of purpose. choices for parts in the 60-minute film, — gunned down at the beginning of the and how to master The action takes place in Bayview-Hunt- which the four will begin shooting in a film — about theB ig Five’s affordable color. I like learning about the history ers Point, a predominantly low-income few weeks. housing fight in the ’60s and ’70s. of the area, and I hope that people who area in the southeast part of San Fran- see the film will go home and stand up The audition is just one part of a filmmak- cisco currently undergoing major In addition to gathering material for their and be involved in their community.” ing project funded by the Council as part redevelopment. Although the area has film, the four young filmmakers were Ruben Palomares, age 19 of its statewide How I See It: Youth sprawling views of San Francisco Bay getting involved in Bayview-Hunters Digital Filmmakers program, which is and the city’s skyline, it contains some of Point issues themselves. They attended Photos/Kevin Chan and Debra Koffler. enabling young people in eight locations the most environmentally hazardous land Grace Tabernacle’s town hall meetings, in California to make films about what in the city, a legacy of various industrial talked to area leaders and collected attention to it because they’re only matters in their lives and communities. uses and U.S. Navy activity at Hunters signatures for a June 2008 San Francisco interested in the short term. I hope our Other projects are in Oakland, Long Point Shipyard, where new houses are ballot measure requiring that half of the film will raise awareness about what’s Beach, Los Angeles, Concord, Fresno, being built. According to a recent public new homes built as part of the Bayview- going on and that young people who see Lodi and Siskiyou County. “Although the health report, residents of the area suffer Hunters Point redevelopment be sold and it will be inspired to be part of solving the topics of the films will be different, all will more from asthma and other diseases rented at below-market rates. problems instead of being blind to them.” focus on the broad theme of connections such as cancer than do residents in any Palomares, the cameraman for the film, The four filmmakers meet twice a week or disconnections,” said CCH Programs other part of the city. “The group chose echoed McArthur’s words. “I hope that at CYMC offices on Mission Street to Manager Raeshma Razvi, who is manag- the area because the problems there people who see the film will stand up and work on their film. They are still polishing ing the program for the Council. — gun violence, turf wars, poverty, be involved in their communities.” Added their screenplay, but they have already affordable housing, environmental Kim, “I want viewers to realize that this The San Francisco effort, the only one of scouted and found locations for shooting hazards, health issues — resonated with film shows real life. What is happening the eight projects creating a dramatic the film, and cast most of the films’ 23 their own lives,” Koffler said. in Bayview isn’t fake like a Hollywood film (the others are documentaries), is roles. They see their film as a way to movie. It really shows what happens to sponsored by Conscious Youth Media The film’s story line arose from group contribute to the neighborhood’s fight a lot of people.” Crew (CYMC), a nonprofit organization brainstorming sessions around the idea over toxic pollution and affordable that trains inner-city youth to create of community. “For the kids, what came housing. “Our main character is handling The public will have a chance to see films and other media that reflect their out of those meetings was a strong sense the issues that people in Bayview are “A Choice of Weapons” and meet the experience and promote social change. of feeling disconnected from their facing every day,” said McArthur, the young filmmakers at community screen- communities and particularly discon- film’s director. ings in mid-June at San Francisco State CYMC Executive Director Debra Koffler, nected from older people, and the feeling University. Exact dates and times will be who is directing the project, said that the that many kids they know feel their lives “People don’t know the full extent of posted on the CCH website once they $30,000 Youth Digital Filmmakers grant have no purpose,” Koffler said. “Ruben, what is happening in the area,” he made it possible for the four young added. “And many don’t want to pay become available. www.californiastories.org www.californiastories.org 5 Filmmaker Interview

Award-winning director Arthur Dong talks about making his newest film, “Hollywood Chinese” In his latest film, award-winning director Arthur Dong CCH: What was the inspiration CCH: What were the biggest offers up a fascinating look at a little-known chapter in for “Hollywood Chinese”? challenges of making the film? American film history — the portrayal of Chinese and A.D.: Movies have always been a part A.D.: I watched over 300 films, and of my life. As a kid in San Francisco’s the challenge was to create a cohe- Chinese Americans in Hollywood feature films. Called Chinatown, I went to the movies sive, compelling 90 minutes given all “Hollywood Chinese,” the California Documentary Project every week. My parents worked, and the information I had. What I decided film, which Dong produced, directed, wrote and edited, we didn’t have babysitters, so mov- to do was to structure the film around contains a dazzling array of film clips and more than a dozen ies were my playground. First it was the personal stories of the people I Chinese-language movies, but later interviewed. It was a way to draw interviews with some of the industry’s most accomplished as a teenager I saw a lot of clas- audiences into the story. That’s why Chinese and Chinese American artists, including Ang Lee, sic Hollywood films at now-defunct I opened the film with a montage of Nancy Kwan, Wayne Wang, Joan Chen, B.D. Wong, Justin revival houses. And very early in life I my interviewees talking about what Lin, Lisa Lu, David Henry Hwang and Amy Tan. And while wanted to be a film historian. I loved movies meant to them. I would ask going into an archive and asking the them things like, What is it you feel exposing the stereotypes, contradictions and ironies that clerk for a stack of titles. It’s the way I when you’re in a dark theater watch- have pervaded the American film industry, the film also experienced history. I was fascinated ing a movie? What happens to you? celebrates the contributions of a number of remarkable that you could watch a film made I wanted an emotional response so artists and the many dozens of films they have given us. before you were born — and see and that viewers would feel there were hear and almost smell the characters. real people on the screen. There It’s a film for anyone who loves Hollywood movies. That fascination has not left me at all. are many themes in the film — the Recently Humanities Network caught up with the celebrated So “Hollywood Chinese” is a natural economics of Hollywood filmmaking, outcome of my love of film and film the historical attitudes toward Chi- director and asked him to talk about his new film. history and my deep interest in the nese people, how Chinese American Chinese American experience. In actors navigate the industry — but a way, you could say I’ve spent my the glue that holds it together is my whole life preparing for this film. interviewees’ personal stories. coninued on page 7

6 www.californiastories.org Where to see “Hollywood Chinese” You can catch “Hollywood Chinese” at the following venues in the days and months ahead:

San Francisco Los Angeles Curse of Quon Gwon,” directed by Interested in watching other April 11–17, 2008 May 15–22, 2008 Oakland filmmaker Marion Wong Arthur Dong films? Filmmaker in person: The Egyptian Theater and made in 1916. There will also Arthur Dong’s trilogy of films on April 11 at 7:30 and 10:00 pm In connection with the screening be special nights devoted to Nancy America’s attitudes toward homo- Sundance Kabuki Cinemas of the film at L.A.’s historic Egyptian Kwan, who starred in “The World sexuals, “Stories From the War on Oakland Theater, American Cinematheque, of Suzie Wong” and “Flower Drum Homosexuality,” is now available in April 11–17, 2008 housed in the theater, is presenting Song,” and to Charlie Chan and Fu one DVD package from www. Filmmaker in person: a Hollywood Chinese film series Manchu movies. The film series will deepfocusproductions.com. The three April 12 at 7:15 pm curated by Arthur Dong. The series, be a first for Hollywood and is sure films are C“ oming Out Under Fire,” Grand Lake Theater which runs from May 15 to May 22, to generate spirited discussions and about the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy debates. Special guests and speakers on gays in the military; “Family Pasadena will feature Dong’s new documentary will accompany each program. Fundamentals,” about three conser- May 16–22, 2008 and a selection of films featuring vative Christian families whose Laemmle’s One Colorado Theaters Chinese and Chinese American For up-to-date details on the series, artists. Included will be the earliest- visit the filmmaker’s website at children have “become homosexual”; known Asian American film, newly www.deepfocus productions.com. and “Licensed to Kill,” about people discovered and restored, called “The who have murdered gay men. Includ- ed are two hours of previously unreleased footage and viewer guides for each title. The films are also available separately.

continued from page 6

CCH: What surprised you most angle I hadn’t thought about before story. And when you talk to Chinese Opposite page: Filmmaker Arthur Dong with actress Louise Rainer, who won an about making the film? — the global influence of Hollywood. American actors, they tell you that Oscar for her portrayal of a Chinese peasant It added a different layer of under- those are still the roles they get called in the 1943 film “The Good Earth.” Rainer A.D.: One of the most surprising talks about that experience in “Hollywood things was the way people responded standing to the film. But it wouldn’t for. Or, more so now, for the role of Chinese,” Dong’s new California Documen- have come up if I had stuck to my a doctor or an engineer or a TV tary Project film that examines the portrayal to being interviewed. No one said, I’m of Chinese Americans in Hollywood feature a star, and you only have 20 minutes agenda, which didn’t include talking anchor person, which happens a lot films. Photo/Allan Barrett. about foreign markets for films. What to women actors. What’s happened is Above left: Violet Wong starred in “The to get my story. Each and every Curse of Quon Gwon,” the earliest-known person opened up to me and seemed I always hope for when I’m inter- that new stereotypes have taken over Chinese American film. Made by Oakland viewing is that moment I didn’t plan the old ones. Some people are telling filmmaker Marion Wong in 1916, “Curse” to enjoy having a conversation about featured Wong’s sister, Violet, and other a topic they hadn’t been asked about for because that moment is usually complex stories with three-dimen- family members. Arthur Dong discovered spontaneous and authentic. When I’m sional people — Wayne Wang and two reels of the landmark film while in depth before. They wanted to researching his new documentary, continue talking after the interview in the editing room, I see it as my job Justin Lin, among them — but on the “Hollywood Chinese.” Photo courtesy to look for those moments. whole that’s not happening. Instead of Deep Focus Productions. time was up. Another thing was the Middle: Roland Winters played Charlie way my interviewees were able to put CCH: Your film celebrates Asian we see a narrow interpretation of the Chan, the fictional Chinese American Chinese American experience. detective, in the “Chinese Ring.” The some of my ideas into context. They Americans in Hollywood films Charlie Chan character appeared in became my academics on screen, but also traces the stereotypic CCH: What’s your next project? more than three dozen films from the silent era to the late 1940s. Photo but they were very human. ways Asians have so often been A.D.: Typically when I make a film, courtesy of Deep Focus Productions. portrayed. How much progress Right: Filmmaker Justin Lin, director of CCH: Do you have any special I spend a year or more trying to get has Hollywood, and the media “Finishing the Game: The Search for a interviewing techniques? the film out there. And that’s what New Bruce Lee” and “The Fast and the in general, made in this area? Furious: Tokyo Drift,” is featured in Arthur A.D.: In the beginning as a filmmaker, I’m doing with “Hollywood Chinese.” Dong’s documentary “Hollywood Chinese.” Photo/Arthur Dong. I had certain set questions because A.D.: I know some people wonder why Usually I have a project ready to go I would want a certain story. Now I there should be a film about Asians in after that, but right now I’m enjoying give myself the freedom to go along Hollywood films. What’s the big deal? being a father. I have a 3-year-old with the person being interviewed Yes, things are better, but there’s so boy, and I want to focus on raising my and just let things happen. It’s been much more that needs to be done, kid. But that probably won’t last for the best thing for my work. For and I hope this film will push things long because I love making films. example, director Justin Lin made a along. Before it was the Tong Wars For more about Arthur Dong comment in the film that moviegoers caricature of Chinese being mysteri- and “Hollywood Chinese,” visit in Asia were more interested in see- ous or smoking opium or killing each the filmmaker’s website at ing American films with “exotic white other in gang wars. When you watch www.deepfocusproductions.com. people” in them rather than films with TV shows, you still see gangsters or Asian American actors. That was an drug lords in Chinatown as part of the www.californiastories.org www.californiastories.org 7 Who We Are Staff The mission of the California Council for the San Francisco Office 312 Sutter Street, Suite 601 JODY SAHOTA San Francisco, CA 94108 Organizational Effectiveness Humanities is to foster understanding between people 415/391.1474 Coordinator

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Board Chairwoman Kenya Davis-Hayes BENjamin Todd JEALOUS Leonard Olds NANCY HATAMIYA Assistant Professor of American History President Chairman, Liberty Education Forum Government Consultant California Baptist University Rosenberg Foundation Board of Directors Davis Riverside San Francisco Laguna Beach

Board Vice Chairman BENJAMIN T. DURAN DAVID JOHNSON MAX PARRA PEDRO CASTILLO Superintendent and President Producer and Investor Associate Professor Associate Professor of History Merced College Santa Monica Latin American Literature and Provost of Oakes College UC San Diego ROY EISENHARDT SHELLEY KESSLER UC Santa Cruz Secular Humanist Executive Secretary-Treasurer Jane Pisano Chris Abani San Francisco San Mateo County Central Labor Council, President and Director Novelist and Associate Professor AFL-CIO Natural History Museum of Robert Feyer of Creative Writing Foster City Los Angeles County Partner, Public Finance UC Riverside Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP HILLARY MENDELSOHN CURT SHEPARD Joaquin Alvarado San Francisco Executive Director Director of Government Relations Founding Director, Institute for Next Flash: A California Partnership Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center DOUGLAS GREENBERG Generation Internet for Safety and Prepardeness President and Chief Executive Officer CHARLENE WEAR SIMMONS San Francisco State University Beverly Hills USC Shoah Foundation for Visual Assistant Director CINDI ALVITRE History and Education Cornelius Moore California Research Bureau Culturalist and Ph.D. Student Co-Director, California Newsreel California State Library Luis Herrera Department of World Arts and Cultures Director, Library of African Cinema Sacramento City Librarian of San Francisco UCLA San Francisco San Francisco DAPHNA ZIMAN JULIE BORNSTEIN Alejandro Morales Founder and Chairwoman RUTH HOLTON-HODSON Executive Director Novelist and Professor of Spanish and Children Uniting Nations Property Owner Advocate Campaign for Affordable Housing Portuguese and Film and Media Studies Beverly Hills California State Controller’s Office Los Angeles UC Irvine Sacramento

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