Secrets of “Paper Son and Little Red Dragon”

In a poignant exploration of immigration and the pursuit of the American Dream, the short screenplay “Paper Son and Little Red Dragon” takes us back to the year 1936. The Utah International Film Festival has officially selected this touching narrative by Howard Lun Hong, inspired by his father’s hidden past.

The story follows Yung, an 11-year-old boy from China, and his imaginary dragon friend, as they embark on a journey to San Francisco in search of a better life. However, their dreams take an unexpected turn upon reaching the Angel Island Immigration Station. Yung finds himself detained and facing intense interrogation as he arrives in America illegally, adopting the identity of a “paper son.”

Yung clings to a secret notebook containing answers crucial to his interrogation. In the midst of this challenging ordeal, he befriends Mei, a 12-year-old girl also facing the harsh reality of immigration. Together, they reminisce about their lives and families left behind in China.

The screenplay delves into the historical context of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, shedding light on the struggles of immigrants who attempted to enter the U.S. using fraudulent identities, known as “Paper Sons.” The characters’ fate in pursuing the American Dream hinges on their ability to navigate the intense interrogations they face at Angel Island.

As the screenplay unfolds, Yung’s character becomes a vessel for the writer’s personal connection to the story. Howard Lun Hong, drawing inspiration from his father’s undocumented past, reflects on the challenges of isolation, loneliness, racism, and fear that accompany the immigrant experience.

The interview with the screenwriter provides insight into the genesis of the screenplay. Hong reveals that the story is a deeply personal one, rooted in the discovery of his father’s hidden past. The emotional journey of uncovering INS papers, a warrant of arrest, and attorney documents in an old suitcase led to the creation of this compelling narrative.

“I learned that he came to America illegally and was caught” said Hong. “He was a paper son himself. As I learned more about paper sons, I discovered the history of the Angel Island Immigration Station. I visited the restored immigration station (just outside of San Fransisco) and was inspired to write this short screenplay.”

Keeping the personal connection to the main character in the screenplay was of the most importantace to Hong. “As I wrote this story, I imagined what my father was going through when he came to America – the challenges of isolation, loneliness, racism, and fear. As I evolved Yung’s character, I always kept my father in mind.”

Hong emphasizes the patience required in the process of screenwriting, highlighting the perseverance needed to see the rewards of hours spent crafting a story.

“As we screenwriters all know, writing takes a lot of hard work and many, many hours. But in a world of instant gratification, writing is about patience. It may take a long time to eventually see the rewards from the many hours of writing and re-writing.”

As is the case with many creatives, the ability to craft something from nothing is a great appeal to Hong. “I love creating my own worlds and being immersed in evolving those worlds.”

For filmmakers interested in collaborating with Howard Lun Hong, You are in luck! He is looking for filmmakers to collaborate with to tell his stories right now. He can be reached via email at h2videomaker@gmail.com. Hong’s storytelling focus centers on Asian and Asian-American experiences, with “Paper Son and Little Red Dragon” being a glimpse into his larger project, “THE PAPER SON,” a full-feature screenplay narrating his father’s journey to America and living the American Dream.

“Paper Son and Little Red Dragon” is an official selection in the Utah International Film Festival February 12-17.