Please check out our answers to FAQs about Far East Deep South (formerly known as Mississippi Yearning), the new 75-minute documentary sequel to Finding Cleveland. If you still have a question, feel free to send us a message here and we’ll reply as soon as we can.
Q: Is this film just a longer version of Finding Cleveland?
A: No. Think of this film like a prequel and a sequel to Finding Cleveland. The first part of the film explores Charles Chiu’s immigration story and why we had to go “find Cleveland.” We will revisit the events of Finding Cleveland but told in a new way with previously unseen moments from the trip. Then, we uncover more significant and emotional revelations about KC Lou and also learn more about KC’s father, Chas J. Lou when we meet more people who knew the family. We also learn more about life in the segregated South from the Chinese and African-Americans who lived there and how they co-existed in the face of racial discrimination. We also learn how the Chinese Exclusion Act directly impacted the Chiu/Lou family and led to their family’s separation. 80% of the film is brand new story and revelations.
Q: How did your family end up in Mississippi? Why couldn’t your dad come to the U.S.? Why couldn’t the women in China come to the U.S.? Why is Baldwin’s last name “Chiu” and his grandfather’s “Lou”? How were the Chinese treated during segregation?
A: We will answer these questions and many more in the new film Far East Deep South.
Q: When will Far East Deep South be completed and where can I see it?
A: We will be finished Jan. 31st, 2020 and the film will have its world premiere March 2020 at Cinequest Film Festival. It will then make its rounds on the film festival circuit. After the festivals, we will set up other community screenings at museums, schools and libraries around the country and explore having the film air on PBS or another channel. You can stay updated by subscribing to our e-updates or following Far East Deep South on Instagram or Facebook.
Q. Do you still need donations? Can I donate to the film using my charitable fund or trust?
A: Yes! Even though we will have completed Far East Deep South, we will still appreciate donations to help with the marketing and outreach of the film. It costs money to host screenings, get the film shown in schools, to do publicity, print flyers, etc. We are an independent film and don’t have at the deep pockets of a big studio.
You can donate online with a credit card here. Also, we’ve had several people contribute via charitable funds or trusts. Our fiscal sponsor, Artists for Community Transformation, based in Brentwood, TN should be listed as one of the qualified non-profit organizations eligible for charitable fund donations.
Q. I don’t trust the internet. Can I send an old-fashioned check to support your film?
A: Yes, you can send your tax-deductible donation and make checks payable to
Artists for Community Transformation*
PO Box 1966
Brentwood, TN 37024-1966
*Please put “Finding Cleveland” in the memo
Click here to go to our main donation page for credit card transactions.