A Village Called Versailles

In a New Orleans neighborhood called Versailles, a tight-knit group of Vietnamese Americans overcame obstacles to rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, only to have their homes threatened by a new government-imposed toxic landfill.  The film A VILLAGE CALLED VERSAILLES is the empowering story of how the Versailles people, who have already suffered so much in their lifetime, turn a devastating disaster into a catalyst for change and a chance for a better future.

A VILLAGE CALLED VERSAILLES is the definition of community.  It’s an inspiring story about bridging generations and cultures and finding your voice as Vietnamese Americans. This moving documentary is proof that our community can stand together and triumph over tragedy.

A VILLAGE CALLED VERSAILLES is an official selection for the 2010 San Francisco International Asian American Film Festival (SFIAAFF), which opens tonight and runs through March 21.  For tickets and more information, please visit the festival’s website or click here for an overview of SFIAAFF from my last post.

Screening #1

WHEN: Sat 3/13 @ 2:15 pm

WHERE: Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, 1881 Post St @ Fillmore, San Francisco

Screening #2

WHEN: Tue 3/16 @ 9 pm

WHERE: VIZ Cinema, 1746 Post St @ Webster, San Francisco

Screening #3 – SAN JOSE

WHEN: Sat 3/20 @ 5:30 pm

WHERE: Camera 12 Cinema, 201 S. 2nd St @ San Carlos, San Jose

Director S. Leo Chiang and Associate Producers Brittney Shepherd & Eva Moss to attend.

Protesters line up outside of New Orleans City Hall to protest for the closure of a toxic landfill in their neighborhood, 2006. Photo Credit: James Dien Bui

Versailles elderly gardener takes a moment away from her work, 2006. Photo Credit: Lucas Foglia

Young Versailles community member participates in protest to shut down the Chef Menteur Highway Landfill, 2006. Photo Credit: James Dien Bui

Young Versailles community member participates in protest to shut down the Chef Menteur Highway Landfill, 2006. Photo Credit: James Dien Bui



The Author:

Uyen is an economic consultant and cofounder of OneVietnam. Development economics is Uyen's life passion, and through OneVietnam she advocates future economic development and corporate social responsibility in Vietnam. Uyen graduated Magna Cum Laude from UC Berkeley with a B.S. in Economics.

Tagged as: ,