If you
were allowed to share just one memory with the world, what would that be? Would
it be something personal, like your feelings about that precious pup you grew
up with? Or, would it be something more worldly—like that high school
graduation trip abroad? Unless, of course, you partied too hardy and would
rather not remember that crazy night in Paris. What happens in Paris, stays in…
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| DeYung at NYU |
Memories,
as we know, can be both good and bad. But as we get older, we seem to revel in
remembrance of that one happy moment or the experience of several magical
moments. Even though we tend to embellish them the longer we reflect on them,
the important thing is that we have them. In fact, memories are what seems to sustain us
as humans.
This
month’s featured Hip Hapa Homee is Taiwan-born filmmaker, DeYung Chou, who
moved to New York City to attend NYU. Currently living in the Pacific
Northwest, he makes documentaries of the elderly sharing their stories through
vivid memories. Determined to record the older generation before they leave us,
DeYung has made it his mission to film and share their memories with the world.
Q:
DeYung, what motivated you to move to the U.S.?
A: I got my Green Card and lost my dear
mother both in 2007. Eventually, I came here in 2010 in order to start a new
life and to take care of my health.
Q: What
was it like attending film school in America?
A: I
enjoyed most of the courses that I took as well as the teachers. One of them
always sat on top of the table and chewed gum while he was teaching, while the
other always had us watch a movie before and after he made a few comments. My
overall feeling about NYU film school was freedom and wisdom. You could be as
free as you wanted yet you should be making yourself a wise student at the same
time.
Q: What
is the Memory Community Project?
A: Memory
Community is a non-profit organization whose project “Memory Community
Movie/Memoir” is making short films of elderly people, regardless of races and
languages, and the most memorable story of their lives.
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| DeYung in the Pacific Northwest |
Q: Are
there any differences between your American-born subjects and those who aren’t
originally from here? For instance, is one group more willing to talk to you or
to be featured on film?
A:
Interestingly, up to now, my subjects are mostly American-born and English
speakers. As an Asian myself, I naturally look forward to serving Asian
communities. I did have a few Asian subjects who were originally from Taiwan,
China and Vietnam. They were willing to talk to me and to be featured in a
film. I’m confident that everyone will appreciate my project if they have
access to understanding it.
Q: What
are some of the best stories you've heard so far?
A: For my
personal interest, it has to be the story that Robert Lee Smith, a Kentucky-born U.S. Air
Force veteran, shared in his film. He spent many good years serving his country
in my home country. He even lived in the city where I was born and grew up. His
story makes me nostalgic.
Q: Any
future plans?
A: One is
to bring the project to all age groups. Another is to showcase films made by
people around the world on my website. The third is to be able to hire a
professional staff.
Q: How
can Hip Hapa Homeez help?
A: Since
2012, I have heard from some locals who want to volunteer for my organization.
I appreciate that greatly since I’m still pretty much of a newcomer here in
Washington State. Donations of money are probably more needed at this point.
For instance, I haven’t been able to cover the application fee for the
necessary 501(c) (3) status for the organization. Media coverage can
effectively help, too.
Okay, got
that Hip Hapa Homeez? Let’s support this amazing project that brings our
elderly to the forefront. Thank you, DeYung.
And,
here’s the link to former yank Robert Lee Smith’s story, second video down:
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| born in the wrong month |
Hey, all
you Yayoi’s who celebrated birthdays last month (Yayoi can mean early Spring
sky in kanji), I send you an omedetto gozaimashita and congratulations. If
you’ve been with me for awhile, then you may recall that my artistic mother
named me Yayoi in spite of her Japanese doctor scolding her about doing so too
late in the season. Every year, I just have to wait it out until May as I check
out Yayoi’s all over the world cavorting in cherry blossom heaven.
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| Cassie |
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| Julia |
Remember to like Watermelon Sushi and
Hapa*Teez on Facebook. We have vid clips of Hapa*Teez on YouTube and you can
also buy one at Café Press. For stimulating discussion about being mixed,
interracially involved, transracially adopted, or living the cross-cultural
life, join our Hip Hapa Homeez group on Facebook.
Until we meet in May, I am and will
always be
Your Hip Hapa,
Yayoi
