THE BRIDGE, 85min., USA
Directed by Evan Jackson Leong
Fifty years ago, our country grappled with widespread discrimination. In Los Angeles, neighborhood leaders challenged these barriers by establishing a community-focused bank, aiming to deliver the American dream to all. The East West Bank Foundation commissioned director Evan Leong to create The Bridge, which explores the struggles, perseverance, and successes of this remarkable journey.

http://www.thebridge-film.com/

Get to know the filmmaker:

1. What motivated you to make this film?

As a 6th generation Chinese American I've been fortunate to tell the stories of my community. The Bridge is a story about a humble Chinatown bank that not only grew the community but became a global influence furthering our place in society. For me, I'd be happy to tell these stories for the rest of my career. I was not only inspired but blessed to collaborate with the East West Foundation and Dominic Ng.

2. From the idea to the finished product, how long did it take for you to make this film?

This project took about a year and a half to completion.

3. How would you describe your film in two words!?

Bridging Communities

4. What was the biggest obstacle you faced in completing this film?

I think the biggest obstacle was finding a way to portray the bank as a character and give this film a heart. By definition, banks are financial institutions not community centers. But East West Bank's story was different because its journey mirrored Asian America for the last 50 years. But to be fair once I started, there were such a wealth of beautiful ways the institution touched the community that the narrative revealed itself.

5. What were your initial reactions when watching the audience talking about your film in the feedback video?

Just a lot of awesome feels! As a director, you're constantly working in a silo with your editor and small team, so when you get positive feedback from your peers it affirms your own journey. Also, the feedback really highlighted underlying themes that I tried to subtly explore. Its great when the audience gets it!

6. When did you realize that you wanted to make films?

I never thought being a filmmaker was a viable career choice growing up. Hollywood just felt so unattainable. But fortunately for me, while I was a UCLA undergrad I took a documentary class called Ethnocommunications. This program gave students the opportunity to learn about documentary filmmaking while telling stories about their own community. My first documentary was about a Chinese American historian from San Francisco who did the research that no one else was willing to do. I never felt so passionate about a process and I was hooked.

7. What film have you seen the most in your life?

My first narrative film SNAKEHEAD

2nd would be Chungking Express

8. What other elements of the festival experience can we and other festivals implement to satisfy you and help you further your filmmaking career?

I think you're doing a great job! It's just nice to have an invested audience in this era of multitudes of content.

9. You submitted to the festival via FilmFreeway. How has your experiences been working on the festival platform site?

Using FilmFreeway has been intuitive and experienceusing the festival platform site has been positive.

10. What is your favorite meal?

My wife's Sun DuBu-jjigae

11. What is next for you? A new film?

A feature length documentary about LPGA phenom Rose Zhang.

A docuseries on IMSA racing featuring Daniel Wu.