All across the globe, Chinatowns are under threat of disappearing – and along with them, the rich history of communities who fought from the margins for a place to belong. Big Fight in Little Chinatown documents the collective fight to save Chinatowns across North America. From the construction of the world’s largest vertical jail in New York, Montreal’s fight against developers swallowing up the most historic block of their Chinatown, big box chains and gentrification forces displacing Toronto’s community, to a Vancouver Chinatown business holding steadfast, the film reveals how Chinatown is both a stand-in for other communities who’ve been wiped off the city map, and the blueprint for inclusive and resilient neighbourhoods of the future.

Why does it matter to Chicago's Chinatown community? Big Fight in Little Chinatown may focus on a few specific Chinatowns, but the story is universal, and the history and future of all Chinatowns are shared. Chicago’s Chinatown is often celebrated as the only growing and thriving Chinatown in the US. Despite that, Chicago’s Chinatown faces the same fight and struggles against gentrification and displacement. It was driven from its original home in the city in the mid 1900’s so the city could build a jail - and now with the impending 78 project poised to open a massive tech hub aimed at the wealthy elite on its northern border, Chicago’s Chinatown is in just as much danger as any other.

Presented by Chinese American Museum of Chicago, Curated by Chicago Loves Chinatown, Co-hosted by OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, Greater Chicago (OCA Greater Chicago)