- The untold story of the Chinese dragon in America. When this symbol of good fortune and benevolence first arrived, it found communities in trouble and was soon employed by their handlers to battle prejudice, violence, and exclusion.
- DRAGONMASTERS is a film that sheds light on the untold story of the Chinese dragon in America. This symbol of good fortune and benevolence arrived in communities facing struggles and was quickly put to work by its handlers to combat prejudice, violence, and exclusion. The 65-minute "authored documentary" utilizes a combination of interviews, archival footage, vérité scenes, and filmed segments in six locations across New York, California, Canada, and China. It follows multiple storylines to tell the tale of how the presence of Chinese dragons has evolved and impacted American culture. The film features two dragons and their handlers: one that arrived in Marysville, California, in 1890 and another introduced in New York City in the early 1970s. These teams were formed during a time when violence and exclusion against Chinese Americans was rampant in America. Dragonmasters delves into the origins and history of Chinese dragons, from their ancient roots in folklore and ceremony to the grand ceremonial event centered around the Puzhai Fire Dragon in Guangdong Province. In the 19th century, America saw an increase in anti-Chinese sentiments. While Chinese Americans responded peacefully through legal channels, they also sought to showcase their culture and traditions through civic events and celebrations to bridge cultural gaps. In 1890, the Chinese community in Marysville imported a stunning Golden Dragon from China that became a prominent feature in non-Chinese festivals and parades across America. On the East Coast, Chia Meng Woo - an aging kung-fu master - founded the Chinese Dragon Team in New York's Williamsburg neighborhood in the early 1970s. He mentored young men from various backgrounds - including Hispanic, Black, and Chinese - and positively impacted their lives through his teachings. Dragonmasters feature these men - now grown - telling their powerful stories. The Marysville and New York Dragons represent how Chinese Americans used their traditions to promote a positive image and engage with the broader community in hopes of acceptance and unity. At its core, this film showcases the transformative power of culture to overcome hostility and rejection. One segment features a contemporary Chinese artist working on an impressive project covering Doyers Street in Manhattan - Song of Dragon and Flowers - which spreads a message of "Love and peace" to the community, offering a modern interpretation of the iconic Chinese dragon. The filmmakers aim to highlight that cultural differences make the world diverse and vibrant, and by embracing and sharing these differences, doors to friendship and harmony can open towards a more positive future.
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By what name was Dragonmasters: A Cultural Odyssey (2019) officially released in Canada in English?
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