Taking Root: Southeast Asian Stories of Resettlement in Philadelphia (Episode 1)

In the inaugural episode of Taking Root, we delve into the experiences of five exceptional Southeast Asian leaders who found themselves in Philadelphia following the tumultuous aftermath of wars in their homeland. The episode sheds light on the challenges they encountered due to the scarcity of resources and inadequate support during their resettlement in the city.

Directed by Oanh-Nhi Nguyen
Produced by Lan Dinh and Oanh Nhi Nguyen

Director’s Bio: Oanh-Nhi Nguyen (she/her) is a film director, writer, producer, and activist who has spent the last 10 years working towards social justice, with a particular interest in gender and racial justice. She creates films honoring Asian and Asian American women, specifically Vietnamese women and immigrants, and how intergenerational trauma impacts the trajectory of their lives. Oanh-Nhi’s directorial debut Taking Root, in collaboration with VietLead, was selected to premiere at the Tribeca Festival last June. Oanh-Nhi is also a Directing Fellow at the highly selective American Film Institute (AFI).

Precedes

Above and Below the Ground

Directed by Emily Hong

In Myanmar’s first and only country-wide environmental movement, Indigenous women activists and punk rock pastors protect a sacred river from a Chinese-built megadam through protest, prayer, and Karaoke music videos.