I’d gladly watch that. But for now, here’s what I got. Many thanks for those who’ve listened and brainstormed with me on this project through its many iterations at different stages💛

But the idea of a film is still possible. Maybe one day more visual evidence will be uncovered from some long-time Chinatown neighbor, or someone with Viet/Canto/Mando capacity will talk some vendors into really digging into their archives and found sth. Or animation.

I’ve asked a few vendors from DC whom I was friendly with if they had photos but ofc they said they were too busy to think of taking any. Photography, or the idea of leaving evidence of your self to revisit in the future, seems to them a luxury.

Then I graduated, moved to the western edge of the neighborhood, and began working in films and a media arts nonprofit in downtown. I first thought about making a documentary abt this building and its people, but couldn’t find any visual materials in the local library or the historical society…

This has been a long time making… I first stepped into Dynasty Center in April 2022 by chance when hanging with a college friend in LA Chinatown. A Viet Chinese auntie selling clothes at the entrance storefront of the mall coaxed us in. I ended up buying a qipao for $20 and wore it for my grad pics