Very profound and moving documentary about the New York native street photographer, Corky Lee, who passed away last year because of Covid.
We could say the method of his decades' work is rather simple. He had just been everywhere in NYC, whenever any Asian community event took place and he took good photos and brought them to the mainstream media for decades in order to get the attention to Asians and their culture deserving to be seen but underexposed to mainstream US media. Not a simple feat. He just kept doing these for decades along with beautiful images he captured.
Karen Zhou, Corky's widow hugging George Hirose, one of executive producers of the movie.
Most of his photos seem to be taken in peaceful settings (parades, etc) but some were became the very evidence of discrimination against Asians. This movie is a testament that his photos actually changed the world. This is even more poignant, especially, we all know that Asian Hate/discrimination issues have been still here, despite of his great achievement.
That is why this is one of the most moving documentary on a street photographer. My own shooting style is very different form Corky's. But this movie is an urgent reminder of a question by any serious photographers and artists constantly asking to oneself : What is the best way/approach for me?. It may includes an issue of physical and/or psychological distance between a photographer to photographic objects. It is a long and lonely path. But we know, he already has been there, thanks for this movie. We just keep walking on our own feet in our city.
Following and above photos were taken by me after the DOC NYC screening on November 12,
Great turnaround. Audience didn't leave!!
Karen showing Corky's Shirt
George and Karen
Jennifer Takaki, director
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