Dancing In Their Light

The Film Project

Since “Dancing in Their Light” was published in March 2022, Debbie has embarked on speaking engagements, at book club gatherings, and “Meet the Author” events. Based on the enthusiastic reviews and reader responses to “Dancing in Their Light”, Debbie has begun the journey to adapt her book into a film/series. Stay tuned for updates.

Debbie’s Talk at the Commonwealth Club

Elements and highlights from Debbie’s in-person speaking engagement at the Commonwealth Club World Affairs where she gave an overview of the themes and issues in “Dancing in Their Light” as part of the Good Lit series from January 2023 are being considered for the film project. Watch more below.

Debbie’s maternal grandparents, Mary Hartwell (seated, 2nd from right, and Yu Jung Kwoh). Behind them are their three sons. Debbie’s grandfather, Frank, is the boy standing in the middle. The photo was taken in China circa 1906 during the Qing Dynasty.

A Testament To The Strength Of Immigrants And Their Impact On Society

Debbie’s parents, Nellie Kwoh and Peter Chinn on their wedding day, October 27, 1946, Peking, China

Jesse Boardman Hartwell, Jr next to the girl he adopted, Debbie’s great grandmother Mary Hartwell. They are with Jesse’s daughter, Anna, and Anna’s nurse, Mrs. Kwah.

The four Chinese students chosen to participate in Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company’s international training course in 1944

Debbie’s father, Peter Chinn (right), with his classmate from Harvard Business School, 1944.

A Story of Immigrant Resilience

At the heart of the series is the Chinn family’s immigration story, which mirrors the struggles and triumphs of countless other Chinese immigrants during turbulent times. From surviving the Taiping Rebellion to escaping the Japanese occupation and the Chinese Civil War, "Dancing In Their Light" highlights their courage as they fled their homeland to seek new opportunities in the U.S., only to face exclusionary laws and discrimination.

A Glimpse Into The Golden Age of Polynesian Nightlight & The Gilded Age of Dining

One of the unique settings in the story is the Chinn family’s restaurant, The House of Mah Jong, a fusion of Chinese cuisine and Polynesian entertainment on Long Island in the 1950s and '60s. This vibrant venue becomes a focal point of the series, transporting viewers to a nostalgic era of cultural fusion, where the Chinns built a community with radical hospitality.

Asian hate: from the 1885 forced expulsion of Chinese from Tacoma, Washington.

Asian hate propaganda

Asian hate. The Democratic President mentioned was Grover Cleveland, who signed the Scott Act into law on Oct 1, 1888.

Some of Debbie’s relatives after they emigrated to the United States. Front row l-r: her mother’s sisters: Edie, Bertha, Daisy. Back row l-w, her mother’s sister-in-law, Emily, and sister Grace.

A Tribute To Strong Women

"Dancing In Their Light" is a transformative journey that traces the Chinn family's experiences across generations, from China to the United States. It’s a story of cultural resilience, familial bonds, and overcoming adversity, brought to life through a film series adapted from Debbie Chinn’s book “Dancing In Their Light.”

Debbie’s Aunt Daisy, who provide much of the oral history for “Dancing in Their Light”, flanked by her nieces Debbie and Phyllis

Debbie’s mother, Nellie (left), with her sister, Daisy. They were close confidents and friends.

Debbie and her cousins pointing to the matriarch of the Kwoh family: Aunt Mamie.

The family of Kate Kwoh (Debbie’s grandmother) in China. Kate is in the middle. Behind her is her husband, Frank.

Debbie’s mother, Nellie, at Mah Jong Restaurant. She is standing at the entrance to the Aloha Room where the Polynesian floor show took place. Note that she is standing in front of a photo of Debbie in one of her dance outfits.

The Polynesian dance troupe at Mah Jong Restaurant. Band leader Leia Kirk is in the back. Debbie is surrounded by two sword and fire dancers: Tama and Chief Taofi.

Promotional photo for Mah Jong’s luau offerings.

One of many happy customers enjoying a meal at Mah Jong.

Standing Against Hate

Tackling the rise of anti-Asian sentiment in the U.S. and drawing parallels between historical discrimination and contemporary issues, Debbie Chinn's own experiences with anti-Asian hate crimes have deepened the urgency of this project, aiming to counteract harmful stereotypes and bring attention to the invaluable contributions of Asian immigrants.

Educational and Cultural Advocacy

Beyond entertainment, "Dancing In Their Light" is also envisioned as a tool for education and civic dialogue. The project seeks to foster understanding and appreciation for immigrant stories, with plans for public engagement in educational settings, community centers, and cultural institutions, offering a platform for conversations about inclusion, history, and social justice.

Dr. Anne Smith interviewing Debbie at the Commonwealth Club Club World Affairs of California, the nation’s premier public forum. January 2023. Sponsored by the Osher Foundation

Debbie with Anna Deavere Smith at Opera Parallele’s celebration honoring Anna as a cultural trailblazer. Debbie was Managing Director for Anna’s “Pipeline Girls” project from 2020-2024.

Debbie, as Board President of the San Francisco Community Music Center.

Womens’ March 2017. Debbie with other activists in Oakland, CA.

Join The Journey

As the project unfolds, "Dancing In Their Light" will offer opportunities for audiences of all backgrounds to connect with the story of the Chinn family. Through speaking engagements, community outreach, and partnerships with cultural organizations, this project aims to inspire and educate, ensuring that these stories of resilience and cultural contribution continue to shine brightly.

As Debbie builds the infrastructure to prepare to undertake this film project, we will keep you posted on opportunities to become a supporter and/or an investor in the creative phase to help her reach this once-in-a-lifetime goal. Stay tuned for updates in 2025!