Local Stories Illuminate Cambridge and Chinatown in New Documentaries

Filmmakers are bringing local narratives to life in Cambridge and Boston through two engaging documentaries that showcase the rich tapestry of their communities. Federico Muchnik’s “Massachusetts Avenue” and Lukas Dong’s “Love, Chinatown” offer poignant glimpses into the people and places that define these neighborhoods.

Muchnik’s documentary, filmed entirely on an iPhone, captures the characters and scenes along Massachusetts Avenue, a vital thoroughfare that connects Alewife Station to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The film premieres at the Brattle Theatre on October 18, 2023, at noon. This anthology-style project features real-life individuals, including “Lunchbox Tony,” a bus driver who greets passengers with a mix of humor and warmth.

Muchnik, who also edited the film himself, aims to create a genuine representation of life along the avenue. He navigates in and out of familiar settings, such as Andy’s Diner and Leavitt & Peirce tobacconist, capturing the essence of the community. He explains, “Filming helps me step into the town square,” a perspective he embraced during an unsuccessful political campaign in 2023. Reflecting on this experience, Muchnik remarked, “I’m glad I lost; otherwise, I wouldn’t be making films.”

In his comedic preamble for the premiere, he quipped, “If you don’t like something, stick around, and in three minutes there’ll be a brand-new scene.” His light-hearted approach sets the tone for a film that seeks to entertain while documenting the stories of everyday people.

Chinatown’s Rich Heritage in “Love, Chinatown”

Across the river in Boston, Lukas Dong’s “Love, Chinatown” shines a light on the vibrant history and ongoing struggles of the Chinatown community. This short documentary screens twice as part of the ArtsEmerson festival on October 17, 2023, at 6 p.m. and on October 18, 2023, at 4:30 p.m., with opportunities for virtual viewing from October 17 to 26, 2023. The film features Cynthia Yee, a prominent activist and chronicler, who reflects on her childhood experiences and the impact of urban development on her home.

At 75 years old, Yee poignantly recounts losing her family home to the construction of Boston’s Central Artery, asking, “How do you forgive a highway?” She shares her journey alongside Gwen Liu, a tai chi classmate, highlighting the intergenerational connections within the community. Dong captures a moment of spontaneity when Yee and Liu begin dancing in an empty hall, stating, “It felt like I was capturing real life.”

The film challenges the often commercialized depictions of Chinatown, presenting it instead as a rich cultural landscape filled with stories waiting to be told. Susan Chinsen, director of the Boston Asian American Film Festival, praised the film’s ability to convey humanity, emphasizing the festival’s mission to spotlight underrepresented narratives.

As these documentaries premiere, they invite viewers to explore the lives of those who inhabit Cambridge and Boston’s neighborhoods. Both Muchnik and Dong craft films that are not just about their subjects but also about the shared experiences that unite these communities.

Through their lenses, audiences can appreciate the beauty and complexity of local life, making these films significant contributions to the cultural discourse.