“Centuries and Still” is a mixed media illustrated short film telling the history of anti-Asian racism and violence in the U.S. The film seeks to unveil how history took part in the birth and perpetuation of today’s surge of anti-Asian discrimination and hate crimes. The search for justice goes back to the Gold Rush era fetishization of Asian women, to today’s hate crimes targeting Asian elders. The film was inspired by Vietnamese director Sally Tran’s same-style film "60 Years and Still" which portrays the history of racism and police brutality against Black people in America over six decades. Through this short film, Sally Tran hopes to continue “education in action” through a unique hybrid of documentary and miniature-looking history, and shooting on multiple formats including 16mm and Super 8 film, and VHS and digital format to match the era. The archival audio and voice overs anchor the audience in the reality of the past and the present. The film is directed by Sally Tran and an awesome group of API creatives such as cinematographer Isabella Tan whose work include Lola (2018) and Souvenirs (2020), and illustrator Nhung Le whose work has been featured on The New York Times and The New Yorker Magazine. By coming together in this project, the team wants to celebrate our universal community through telling our story of the Asian diaspora in America, while directing support to AAPI-led organizations fighting for social justice. Learn more about the film and our team at https://centuriesandstill.webflow.io/

Sally Tran is a writer and director from New Zealand by way of Vietnam, living in New York City. Tran’s filmmaking expertise focuses on creating unique stories through her multicultural experiences. Her film career started in New Zealand where she directed multiple short films and a full-length feature before moving to New York and crafting ads for brands like ASUS, Instagram and Schick. Tran’s work displays her love for color, bold styles, and conjuring distinctive images without relying on digital effects. A fashion designer turned director, her love for texture and detail is evident in her work, along with her sometimes unconventional processes, garnering her accolades and residencies around the world.