Team

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  "When my path unexpectedly crossed with photographer Corky Lee, I was immediately hooked. His vast knowledge of American history, mixed with his dedication to documenting the diversity of his beloved Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, and his unwavering commitment to push his images out to mainstream media made Corky one of the most interesting people I have ever met. 

I had planned to do a five-minute vignette on him and instead, this portrait of the man-behind-the-camera turned into a full-length feature film that took almost two decades to finish. I started following Corky in 2003, as he documented cultural events, parades, and protests. It was a privilege that I was able to spend so much time with Corky and that he trusted me to tell his story. I filmed reflective moments in the dark room as well as lively exchanges with his family as they talked about growing up in Queens, NY.  One of the most unforgettable moments I witnessed was his journey to Utah in 2014 to shoot his now famous recreation of the photo of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. In his quest for “photographic justice” he included hundreds of Asian American faces that had been omitted from the iconic 1869 photo commemorating that same moment. Through him I have met countless interesting people including historians, activists, musicians, artists, and family members, many of whom were interviewed in the film and helped shed light on Corky's legendary life.

Corky’s last act of heroism was photographing the rising tide of anti-Asian hate during the pandemic. He succumbed to Covid-19 in January 2021. This was a devastating loss for anyone fortunate enough to know him and for all the communities he tirelessly advocated for and documented. On a personal level, I miss him dearly. Corky widened the lens in which I view the world and for that, I am forever appreciative.  

My hope for the film is for viewers to learn about the importance of AAPI history through Corky Lee’s photography and ultimately instill confidence, pride and a sense of belonging to all." 

                                                                                                    FILMMAKER JENNIFER TAKAKI