I’m super excited about this as well. The FIRST Asian American movie… and it was made in 1916. We’ll be screening it at the Japanese American National Museum on May 13 at 7 pm.
In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, JANM presents a rare screening of The Curse of Quon Gwon: When the Far East Mingles with the West(1916–17), a silent black-and-white film directed by Marion Wong.
The Curse of Quon Gwon is the earliest known film directed by an Asian American, and one of the earliest directed by a woman. Reflecting the filmmaker’s desire to present authentic Chinese culture to a Western audience, the movie features an all-Chinese cast and Chinese-style interior décor. The melodramatic storyline, which is typical of Western films from that era, is filled with romance and intrigue.
The evening will include a talk with Mai-Lon Gittelsohn and Dr. Greg Mark, descendants of star Violet Wong, and filmmaker Arthur Dong, who facilitated the restoration of the only known remaining portions of the historic film by the Academy Film Archive.
Pre-sale: $8 JANM and Visual Communications members, $10 general.
At the door (if available): $12 JANM and VC members, $15 general.
You can get your tickets here.
Koji Steven Sakai 