Photo credit: Ben Krantz Studios, Oakland, California
Debbie Chinn
A proud daughter of Chinese immigrants, Debbie was born and raised on Long Island, New York. The seeds of her philanthropic career were sown in her family’s famous Polynesian nightclub. It may sound improbable, but it is true.
Dancing In Their Light
The Film Project
In 1960s Long Island, a nerdy Chinese-American girl transforms each night into the star hula dancer at her family’s mob-backed Polynesian nightclub. Beneath the glittering spectacle, she must navigate racism, family turmoil, and silence until, on the bittersweet night of Mah Jong’s lavish Chinese New Year celebration, she gives her final performance and dares to set out for a life of her own.
Here is a 4-minute "proof of concept" to give a sense of the genre, era, and brief synopsis using AI technology.
About Debbie Chinn
Author
The world of popular Polynnesian nightclubs with floor shows - and Debbie's role as an exotic hula and sword dancer at her parent's club - is brought to vivid life in her new book - Dancing in Their Light: A Daughter’s Unfinished Memoir - which traces the author’s lineage back 13 generations and features more than 170 rare family photos.
Advocate
Debbie has helped dozens of organizations doing exceptional work to heal our society and bridge our cultural differences.
Media & Press
Debbie has made media appearances over the years both as an outspoken Arts Leader, a member of the Bay Area’s dynamic AAPI community, and the acclaimed author of her debut novel Dancing In Their Light.
Blogs
History in Photos
Here are some snapshots from my family photo album over the years.
