Synopsis
Where did the Chinese sit on the bus during Jim Crow? Blurring the Color Line breaks racial barriers by going beyond the narratives of black & white. Much has been written about segregation upon Black people in the South, but nothing that discusses the social placement of Asian Americans during this time. This film invites critical conversations around today’s racial tensions by addressing a connective past.
Blurring the Color Line is inspired by Crystal Kwok’s grandmother’s story about her family’s grocery store in Augusta, Georgia. Her family grew up in a Black neighborhood and they share stories about their personal experiences that expose the problematic, racialized system.
The film decenters existing narratives and showcases perspectives from both the Chinese and Black community, opening up necessary but uncomfortable discussions between marginalized groups. Blurring the Color Line is a step towards cross-racial solidarity by having a better understanding of the past in efforts of changing the future. Both Asian and Black groups have faced hardships and lack of representation in the media, so this film is needed now more than ever.
Filmmaker Biography
Crystal Kwok (Director, Producer) is an award-winning filmmaker with experience both in front of and behind the camera. Establishing her career in Hong Kong as an actress, Kwok also has several writer, producer, and director credits to her name. Crystal Kwok’s debut feature film, The Mistress, won the Audience Choice Award at the Deauville Asiatic Film Festival in 2000. As a strong women’s advocate, her Cable TV talk show broke boundaries in the Hong Kong media with conversations about women and sexuality. Continuing efforts to create visibility in addressing women's issues, Crystal hosts a talk show/podcast, “Kwoktalk” on KTUH 90.1 FM in Honolulu, Hawaii, where she is also pursuing her Ph.D. in Performance Studies. Crystal also teaches courses in film and the media under the Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Department and serves as an active member of the University of Hawaii’s Commission on Racism and Bias.
Gustin Smith (Producer) is an American entertainment executive and producer. He started his career in 2009, working on set in physical production before transitioning to the creative side of the business as a development assistant for Shiny Penny Productions. He joined WME in 2017 and rose through the ranks before moving over to Endeavor Content. With a focus of illuminating diverse voices and elevated storytelling, he founded Village Woods Productions in 2022.
Schedule
March 15 - April 1, 2023
Wednesday, March 15, 2023 - Winston-Salem, North Carolina
a/perture cinema
Friday, March 17, 2023 - Wilmington, North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Cucalorus Film Festival, Working Films, and WHQR Public Media
Monday, March 27, 2023 - Birmingham, Alabama
Sidewalk Film Center and Cinema
Thursday, March 30, 2023 - Cleveland, Mississippi
Bologna Performing Arts Center, Delta State University
Saturday, April 1, 2023 - Nashville, Tennessee
Global Education Center & Fisk University, at Global Education Center