The Unseen Faces of American History Unveiled

Read Time:3 Minute, 46 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Photographic Justice: The Corky Lee Story
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Jennifer Takaki
Where To Watch: will be released theatrically in New York (DCTV’s Firehouse Cinema) on April 19, 2024, and in Los Angeles (Laemmle Glendale) on April 26, with a regional expansion

RAVING REVIEW: PHOTOGRAPHIC JUSTICE pulls you with its vibrant exploration of American American history life through the eyes of Corky Lee—a man whose camera was a gateway to capturing and reshaping history. This documentary propels you into the depths of the memories and struggles within a world that was often ignored unless it was a negative focus from the past, showing life in Chinatown and beyond through Lee's justice-driven vision.

Lee's story is more than a series of photos; it's a significant chapter in the visual storytelling of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) experience, brought to life in PHOTOGRAPHIC JUSTICE. Lee, a New Yorker born to Chinese immigrants in 1947, a self-described ABC (American-born Chinese), transformed his camera into an instrument for advocacy. Over five decades, his portfolio documents everything from the daily grind to large-scale cultural happenings within the communities he held dear.

Jennifer Takaki, the visionary director behind the camera of this documentary, walks us through Lee's unwavering resolve to elevate these stories into the mainstream spotlight. What began as a modest project developed into an epic eighteen-year cinematic endeavor, closely capturing the essence of Lee's journey personally and professionally. The film spotlighted a poignant moment from 2014—Lee’s trip to the Transcontinental Railroad completion site, where he worked to correct the historical narrative with an updated and corrected vision.

Takaki created a compelling story enriched with personal stories and broader cultural events that Lee documented. These scenes chronicle his dedication to his craft and delve into the profound personal sacrifices involved in his lifelong mission. The rise of anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic only heightened the relevance and urgency of his work, marking a bittersweet period that saw Lee battling the virus that eventually claimed his life in 2021.

This film stretches beyond the confines of a traditional biography. While the style feels familiar, the importance of Lee’s story extends beyond it. It is a poignant reminder of how photography can confront and reshape cultural identity and historical perceptions. Lee is celebrated not only as a master photographer but also as a fierce advocate for visibility and justice, ensuring that the stories of the AAPI community are recognized and remembered. If you know his story, or if this is the first you’ve heard his name, this film will offer you something to connect with.

For anyone drawn to the convergence of art, activism, and historical reflection, PHOTOGRAPHIC JUSTICE is a must-see. It opens a window to the soul of a man who viewed the world through a lens of equity and justice, committed to ensuring no community remains unseen in the grand narrative of American history. Even if his journey wasn’t what he envisioned, this documentary is not just a recounting of a photographer’s life; it is an homage to the enduring impact of his work, celebrating how he and the communities he captured are woven into the fabric of American history.

@corkyleestory

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[photo courtesy of ALL IS WELL PICTURES, FORD FOUNDATION, SCANDOBEAN PRODUCTIONS]

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