Gold Mountain is the name the Chinese gave California during the Gold Rush days. The documentary, Chinese Builders of Gold Mountain , traces the path of
Chinese immigrants who came to California in the 1850s. This documentary
was filmed in Sacramento, Auburn, Marysville, Locke, Fiddletown,
Oroville, St. Helena, Monterey and Donner Summit.
About the Documentary
The documentary takes viewers to places where the Chinese lived and worked.
In the Sierra Nevada, viewers will see the tunnels the Chinese blasted through solid granite to help build the transcontinental railroad through the mountains.
The documentary shows how Chinese built the levees in the San Francisco Bay Delta that reclaimed thousands of acres for agriculture. Chinese were also involved in the creation of California's wine industry, and the film takes viewers inside the wine caves built at Schramsberg Vineyards in Calistoga.
"Through hard work, determination and knowledge, the Chinese made an incredible and lasting mark on California. Chinese Builders of Gold Mountain takes viewers to the places where the Chinese built levees, temples, stores and homes," said film producer Bill George. The Chinese came to California to find gold.
The film explores Fiddletown in Amador County to visit the largest collection of Gold Rush-era Chinese building Marysville and Oroville were two of the most important towns for Chinese in the 1850s and 1860s.
Today, the Bok Kai Temple in Marysville is still operated by the local community, and gives rare insight into the lives of the Chinese who lived and worshipped during the height of the Gold Rush. Also in Marysville is the Chinese American Museum of Northern California, run by Brian Tom. The museum is full of artifacts from the Chinese, and Mr. Tom explains how his grandfather came to Marysville in 1851,mined gold for several years, struck it rich and opened a store which stands to this day. Mr. Tom explains how the Chinese were able to work cooperatively to create wealth in America.
In Oroville, the documentary
visits the Chinese Temple and Museum Complex, and interviews Thill Chan
Wilcox. Her family has been involved with the complex since the 1850s.
Visitors today will find fascinating vestiges of Chinese life, including
a replica of a store run by Chinese merchants. The museum contains
huge, floor-to-ceiling tapestries, and every corner is full of rare
artifacts from California and China, some left by Chinese travelling
troupes that entertained Chinese and American audiences.
About the Documentary
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| Chinese dwelling near Dutch Flat |
The documentary shows how Chinese built the levees in the San Francisco Bay Delta that reclaimed thousands of acres for agriculture. Chinese were also involved in the creation of California's wine industry, and the film takes viewers inside the wine caves built at Schramsberg Vineyards in Calistoga.
"Through hard work, determination and knowledge, the Chinese made an incredible and lasting mark on California. Chinese Builders of Gold Mountain takes viewers to the places where the Chinese built levees, temples, stores and homes," said film producer Bill George. The Chinese came to California to find gold.
The film explores Fiddletown in Amador County to visit the largest collection of Gold Rush-era Chinese building Marysville and Oroville were two of the most important towns for Chinese in the 1850s and 1860s.
Today, the Bok Kai Temple in Marysville is still operated by the local community, and gives rare insight into the lives of the Chinese who lived and worshipped during the height of the Gold Rush. Also in Marysville is the Chinese American Museum of Northern California, run by Brian Tom. The museum is full of artifacts from the Chinese, and Mr. Tom explains how his grandfather came to Marysville in 1851,mined gold for several years, struck it rich and opened a store which stands to this day. Mr. Tom explains how the Chinese were able to work cooperatively to create wealth in America.
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| Bok Kai Temple |
"The Oroville and Marysville temples are incredible places to visit," film producer George said. "My hope is that after people see the film they will head to these towns and see the wondrous works of Chinese art and culture. These sacred spots need to be supported and appreciated." The film also explores cultural, legal and political issues, as well as tensions between the Chinese and Anglo communities. Historical perspective and commentary are provided by Brian Tom and Dr. Elizabeth Sinn of Hong Kong University. Dr. Sinn's book, Pacific Crossing, detailed the rise of trade between Hong Kong and California spurred by the Gold Rush.
For more information and to order the documentary, Chinese Builders of Gold Mountain, go to website...http://www.transcoshow.com/
The film was produced by Nimbus Films of Granite Bay, California.
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| Photo from Bok Kai Festival |
Award of Excellence from the Sacramento County Historical Society, and an award from the American Society of Civil Engineers for documentary film making. The company's films are designed to bring history to life by visiting historic sites and showing viewers where history happened.
About ACC
ACC Senior Services (formerly known as The Asian Community Center of Sacramento Valley) is dedicated to enriching the lives of seniors and caregivers. ACC promotes the general welfare and enhances the quality of life of the community by offering specially designed, culturally sensitive services, programs and classes for older adults.
About Bill George
Bill George has more than 35 years' experience in journalism and filmmaking. He produced dozens of broadcast news reports, special reports and documentaries. His reports have aired on CNN, ESPN, NBC and other networks. He is the author of the book "Rails, Tales and Trails" about the construction of the Central Pacific Railroad. Bill has spoken and shown his films to numerous historical, civic and educational groups. To request Bill as a speaker, please send an email to BillG@transcoshow.com
(Article and photos copyright Nimbus Films)
