WORLD PREMIERE
A Chinese-American family’s search for their roots leads them to the Mississippi Delta, where they stumble upon surprising family revelations and uncover the racially complex history of the early Chinese in the segregated South.
Far East Deep South explores the history of early Chinese immigrants living in the American South during the late 1800s to mid-1900s. Since their father Charles Chiu never spoke about his past, Baldwin and Edwin Chiu set out to research the family history. The exploration comes in the form of cinema vérité footage and interviews with local Mississippi residents who were once connected to the grandfather and great-grandfather during their time in Pace, Mississippi. It shines a light on racial dynamics between the white, black, and Chinese communities and the long-lasting impact of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. This documentary, with the feel of family drama, will impact you and even move you to tears. – Pratibha Kelapure