They Call Us Bruce They Call Us Sinners
May 16, 2025
Dolly Li, a documentary filmmaker and cultural consultant, dives into the rich history of the Mississippi Delta's Chinese community. She shares her experience working on Ryan Coogler's film Sinners, shedding light on the importance of cultural authenticity in storytelling. The discussion highlights the intricate dynamics of race during the Jim Crow era, and the significance of representation in film, particularly for mixed-race characters. Li emphasizes the critical role of consultants in creating accurate narratives, making for a thought-provoking conversation.
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Coogler's Family Discovery
- Ryan Coogler learned his family had Mississippi Delta Chinese ancestry via a 23andMe genetic test.
- This discovery led him to Dolly Li's documentary, inspiring inclusion of Chinese characters in the film Sinners.
Dialect Choice Shows Authenticity
- The film prioritized historical dialect accuracy, choosing Toisan Chinese despite Cantonese being more widely understood.
- This attention to detail highlights the filmmakers' commitment to authenticity in storytelling, even in a vampire movie.
Asian Merchants' Dual Role
- Asian merchants in the segregated South served both Black and white communities, reflecting a unique middleman role.
- Operating stores on both sides illustrated their complex social position of belonging to neither community.
